Online shopping in Poland – why do Poles love shopping online?

12.11.2024
E-commerce in Poland is currently experiencing dynamic growth, gaining popularity among an ever-widening group of consumers. In recent years, online shopping has become an integral part of daily life for Poles, a trend fuelled by both technological progress and evolving shopping habits. The increasing popularity of e-commerce can be attributed to several key factors: convenience, time savings, a wide range of products, and attractive prices.

Platforms like Allegro, which offer numerous benefits and innovative solutions, play a significant role in reinforcing this trend. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at why Poles are so enthusiastic about shopping online and how Allegro influences their shopping preferences.

The state of e-commerce in Poland

The e-commerce market in Poland is growing at a rapid pace, gaining value and importance every year. It is projected that by 2027, the market value will reach PLN 187 billion, marking an increase of over PLN 94 billion since 2021​ [1]​. More than half of this growth will stem from three main categories: fashion (PLN 21 billion), electronics (PLN 19 billion), and health & beauty (PLN 11 billion)​ [2]​.

A key element supporting e-commerce growth is a well-developed logistics infrastructure. Investments in modern logistics centres and distribution networks significantly streamline purchasing processes, enabling the quick and efficient delivery of ordered goods. Infrastructure expansion allows for better supply chain management, which is essential in the context of increasing demand for online shopping.

For consumers, online shopping offers numerous advantages. First and foremost, there’s the convenience—the ability to shop without leaving home, at any time of day or night. Time savings are another important factor drawing customers to e-commerce. Unlike traditional shopping, online shopping allows for quick comparison of offers and finding the best prices, which is a major attraction for many consumers. The broad range of products available online means that even niche items can be found, a feat often difficult in traditional stores.

All these factors contribute to the growing popularity of e-commerce in Poland, shaping modern shopping habits and redefining the way Poles make purchases. In the coming years, we can expect to see further growth in the importance of large sales platforms, such as Allegro and Amazon, as well as an increase in the marketplace model relative to traditional e-commerce stores​ [2]​.

Why do Poles shop online so frequently?

Poles are increasingly choosing online shopping due to several key consumer preferences. Above all, it’s the convenience and availability of products around the clock. Online shopping enables transactions from any location and at any time, which is crucial for people leading busy lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the rise in online shopping. Due to lockdowns and restrictions on traditional stores, many people shifted their shopping to the internet. E-commerce became a safe and convenient way to buy essential goods without leaving home. This trend persisted even after restrictions were eased, as consumers came to appreciate the benefits of online shopping.

Trust in Polish marketplaces is another key factor contributing to the popularity of online shopping. Poles are keen to use well-known and reliable platforms like Allegro, which offer numerous advantages such as a wide range of products, competitive prices, and fast, secure payment methods. Loyalty programmes, such as Allegro Smart!, also attract customers by offering free deliveries and other benefits.

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Allegro as the leader in Polish e-commerce

Founded in 1999, Allegro is one of the pioneers of Polish e-commerce and is currently the most popular shopping platform in Poland. From the beginning, the company has grown rapidly, gaining increasing consumer trust. Today, Allegro has over 20 million registered users, representing a substantial share of the Polish internet market.

Allegro offers a wide range of products, from electronics and fashion to groceries and home essentials. The platform stands out not only for its extensive range but also for numerous benefits for consumers. The Allegro Smart! programme is one of its main attractions—users pay a fixed fee to benefit from free delivery and returns, which significantly enhances the shopping experience. Its customer-friendly return policy further builds trust in the platform.

Allegro continuously introduces innovations to meet the growing expectations of customers. Allegro One Fulfillment services, which cover warehousing, packing, and shipping, significantly improve logistics processes. Additionally, Allegro is expanding its operations internationally, enabling Polish sellers to reach customers abroad. This allows Polish sellers to compete on equal footing with local players in foreign markets, offering fast and reliable deliveries.

How does Allegro influence Poles’ love of online shopping?

Allegro has a huge impact on the popularity of online shopping in Poland, significantly contributing to the growth of e-commerce in the country. Its influence on Poles’ daily consumer choices can be seen in several key areas:

  • Popularity among Polish consumers: Allegro is the most frequently visited shopping site in Poland, attracting millions of active users monthly, making it the dominant e-commerce platform in the country.
  • Access to a Wide Range of Products: The platform offers an extensive assortment of products, from electronics and fashion to groceries and daily essentials, making it the first choice for many consumers looking for convenient online shopping.
  • Promotions, discounts, and loyalty programmes: Allegro attracts customers with attractive prices, promotions, and loyalty programmes like Allegro Smart!, which offers free deliveries and returns, enhancing the appeal of shopping on the platform.
  • Significance of local support and customer service: Allegro provides high-quality customer service, building user trust and loyalty. Efficient order processing, quick problem resolution, and easy returns are all factors that encourage consumers to return to shop on Allegro.

Allegro’s key role in the future of e-commerce in Poland

Poles are increasingly inclined to shop online, appreciating the convenience, time savings, and wide selection of products. The dynamic growth of e-commerce in Poland is supported by a well-developed logistics infrastructure and growing trust in platforms like Allegro. As the market leader, Allegro plays a key role in popularising online shopping through its strong brand, wide product range, attractive promotions, and high-quality customer service.

In the future, the e-commerce market in Poland will continue to grow, and Allegro, through innovation and international expansion, will maintain its dominant role, shaping Poles’ shopping habits and raising service standards in the industry. By taking advantage of the opportunities Allegro offers, you can elevate your business and reach millions of potential customers.

Sources:
1. https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/pl/pl/publikacje/2022/perspektywy-rozwoju-rynku-e-commerce-w-polsce-2018-2027.html
2. https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Do-187-mld-zl-wzrosnie-wartosc-polskiego-rynku-e-commerce-do-2027-r-Raport-8373205.html