How France Is Leading Europe In E-Commerce Sales
Upload time :October 26, 2023
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With sales of online consumer spending increasing each year in France, we look at how DHgate is making an impact in the French e-commerce market
Ranked as the sixth biggest e-commerce market in the world, France is one of Europe’s major democracies leading the way in online consumer spending, with an estimated 36 million French citizens actively shopping online and purchasing products from e-commerce platforms.
With just over 200,000 e-commerce sites in the country, online shopping has become a major business in France, with ?63bn generated in e-commerce sales in 2016, as sales exceeded an astonishing 115.2 billion as 2020 came to an end.
According to a report by ecommercenews, online sales in France atone for 6% of total retail sales, with e-commerce purchasing accounting for approximately 4.27 per cent of the country's GDP in 2019. With a year-on-year increase in online sales, now has never been a better time for e-commerce sellers to promote their products in the French market. And as the French say… battre le fer pendant qu’il est chaud.

DHgate and the French market
DHgate recognises that France is a strong market with a lot of potentials, which is why the company recently opened a new office in Paris, situated next to the world-famous Avenue des Champs-?lysées.
The DHgate French team have major plans in 2021, beginning with a localization process that will match product listings with local sellers. Other strategies include joining the 'La French Tech' program and getting the French government to support a safe and secure e-commerce user experience when buying and selling online. The team also aim to increase interaction with younger communities by creating a socially responsible and eco-friendly brand.
But that’s not all. In a move to promote local brands onto the platform, the DHgate French team have recently introduced Perlinea, a European based jewellery company that specialises in silver and gold earrings and necklaces.
Consumers can choose from an array of beautiful jewellery, ranging from cultured pearls to natural gems made of organic substances with each purchase coming with a certificate of authenticity.
Jewellery continues to be a bigger seller in France, with sales of jewellery exceeding 67 million in 2019 according to a report published by the Statista Research Department.
DH Spotlight - Meet our French Business Development Manager

The DH Spotlight series highlights a different employee, offering an inside look into our company culture and the talented individuals who work at DHgate.
Yu-Shan is our French Business Development Manager and is currently based in our overseas French office. Yu-Shan has lived in France for 6 years and is on a mission to build and promote the DHgate platform by building a brand that attracts French consumers and promotes local businesses.
How did you get into the e-commerce sector?
I see the great gap between the western and eastern world in terms of e-commerce development and it fascinates me so much. As a result, I wanted to experience and learn more about this industry.
How have French consumers taken to DHGate? What has been the initial impression from French consumers of the Chinese e-commerce industry?
DHgate is very well known and loved by consumers in France. French consumers find the Chinese e-commerce industry amazing, and they are trying hard to catch up.
What do you think are the key differences between the French e-commerce sector and the Chinese e-commerce sector?
French e-commerce typically focuses on a single sector, whereas Chinese platforms are good at leveraging existing resources and influence.
What do French consumers look for when purchasing products online?
It’s inevitable to mention the recent global crisis that has flipped consuming habits upside down. Due to Frances public health measurements, shops and retail outlets have been closed for a long period. As a result, consumers have now adjusted to purchasing everything online.
What product trends do you see happening in France in 2021?
Sustainable and environment-friendly products are a big hit in France. Eco-friendly products are particularly popular among the younger generation, and consumers are ready to pay a higher price for a product that is environmentally friendly.
And finally, what tips do you have for sellers who want to begin a successful online business in France?
A multi-channel selling solution is a far better solution deal than a solid supplier.
2021 looks set to be an exciting year for DHgate in the French market as Yu-Shan and her team continue to grow the brand and explore new ways in creating an innovative e-commerce experience.
Keep updated with the must-have local products and the very latest news on the DHgate French site and social media pages!
DHgate France - https://fr.dhgate.com/
DHgate France Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DHgateFRANCAIS/
DHgate France Twitter - https://twitter.com/DhgateF
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