Cross-border

Dutch ecommerce software provider BiedMeer will change its name into CCV Shop starting January 13, 2015. The company was acquired by CCV Group nine months ago and it now wants to use this name to start its services in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, as the name “BiedMeer” (literally: “offer more”) won’t ring any bells across the Dutch borders.

When you think about countries in Europe that can serve as a good market for your ecommerce business, the first that pop up in your mind are probably the United Kingdom, France and Germany. But hey, do not forget about Spain, a country that has made major inroads in terms of ecommerce. Here’s why you should consider Spain for your ecommerce business.

Consumers from Belarus are increasingly shopping across the border. As a matter of fact, citizens from this Eastern European country ranked fifth (and thereby leaving behind the US and Canada) in terms of online purchases during China's Singles Day on November 11. Together, Belarusians spent nearly 3 billion dollars abroad annually, while domestic producers continue to lose their local markets.

There was a growth of 45% in the cross-border ecommerce industry in Poland this year. With this growth rate, it grew harder than the cross-border ecommerce industry in European countries like Romania, Greece and Hungary. Polish consumers would shop more abroad if cost of returns was free.

AO, the British online retailer of domestic appliances, has launched its German website, but that’s not the only expansion it has planned. AO World is also looking at starting businesses in the Netherlands and Belgium. Austria, Switzerland and France are also potential targets for the retailer that reported some strong growth in revenue for the first half of the year.

In Europe, cross-border ecommerce is happening more and more, as customers today have better access to the internet and are more comfortable with shopping at foreign sites, while online retailers are looking for ways to expand their businesses. We give you 8 tips for cross-border success in Europe.

If you want to expand your ecommerce business to Europe, there are some things you should know. About which countries have no trouble speaking English for example. Or why Germany is a difficult ecommerce market to conquer. Luckily for you, we will give you the perfect tips for cross-border ecommerce in Europe!

The established but largely divided market in Europe is a popular choice for cross-border ecommerce. Europeans love to shop online on foreign sites, but there's also a strong preference for expansion in this region. But companies should not only focus on powerhouses UK, Germany and France, they also need to look at Eastern Europe. The growing markets of Europe could provide a more unique, value-driven cross-border opportunity.

Almost a quarter of Europeans has bought something online across the border during the past three months. For online retailers who have reached maturity in their home market and for specialists, the foreign market offers enough growth potential, researcher Forrester concludes.

Since time immemorial, the Netherlands and Belgium have influenced each other on several fronts. They not only share the same language (although the Walloon part of Belgium speaks French, not Dutch), but also have much in common on cultural, sport and economic levels. In the ecommerce industry however, it’s mostly Dutch players who influence the Belgian industry and not the other way around.

Ecommerce software solution PrestaShop is planning to expand by opening its services for consumers in the United Kingdom, the absolute number one ecommerce market in Europe. A country manager will be recruited and will be responsible for local business development in the UK. PrestaShop currently has business operations in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Spain and the US.

Shinola has opened its ecommerce website for visitors from Europe. Now people from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom can order the Detroit-built watches, bicycles, journals, leather goods and shoe polish online. The expansion is a response to the growing international demand for the brand.

IMRG has announced the launch of the UK Cross-Border Trading Passport, an A-Z guide for prospective online retailers who are looking to enter the British ecommerce market. Together with provider of e-fulfilment logistics services Norbert Dentressangle, the industry association for UK e-retail wants to support online merchants with international expansion plans.

Dutch company B2C Europe has introduced a new Click & Collect service, which they called CollectYourParcel. Retailers using this service can give their customers the opportunity to select where they want to pick up their order. Consumers no longer have to rely on one specific parcel company and its pick-up points.

C&A has expanded its multichannel strategy and integration of online and offline sales channel by launching an online store in Switzerland. Good news for local consumers who want to order something from the Dutch fashion retailer online. A broad campaign has started in Switzerland to promote C&A’s latest expansion. Switzerland is the ninth market where C&A runs an online store.