Norway

Flaconi, a German online retailer of perfumes and beauty products, is rapidly expanding internationally. The company, already active in twelve European markets, is entering the United Kingdom and Spain – two of the leading ecommerce markets in Europe. Launches in five additional countries have also been announced.

Popular cashback marketplace OnBuy is rolling out in eight new markets. This brings the total of the company’s footprint to 21 European countries. The expansion follows strong performance, with an increase of 152 percent in quarterly sales last year.

In the second quarter of this year, 78 percent of Nordic consumers placed an online order at a store from abroad. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 4 percent. Cross-border shopping is associated with lower prices, for most consumers in the Nordic countries.

Online seller of sports nutrition supplements, THG Myprotein, has recently partnered with PostNord. By doing so, the retailer could add more flexible delivery options to its online store, which strengthened its position in the Nordics. It turns out that parcel lockers became a popular delivery option, when it is given enough visibility in the checkout process.

Dutch holding company, Compare Group, has entered Denmark and Norway. The owner of several price comparison services has now launched its platform in these two new markets. It is the second time the company expands in one year.

A large majority of consumers in the Nordics shop online regularly. In the 30 days leading up to the latest research, 83 percent of them said to have shopped online. Cross-border shopping is becoming more popular in the region.

At least 83 percent of Nordic consumers shop online monthly, according to a new report. Cross-border shopping is becoming more common in these countries. In the last twelve months, 76 percent of consumers in the Nordics purchased products abroad.

Furniture retailer Ikea plans to launch a marketplace where customers can sell their pre-owned Ikea furniture to other consumers. By doing that, it wants to expand its online revenue. The company launched a pilot in Spain and Norway.

Adevinta, the parent company of many leading European classified marketplaces, is in discussions regarding a potential sale. A consortium led by investment firms Permira and Blackstone is reported to have made a multi-billion-dollar offer.

Fashion retailer H&M is considering payment for online returns. Return fees could help cut increasing company costs. H&M is testing the change in return policy in Norway and the United Kingdom.

Ecommerce aggregator eBrands has raised 30 million dollars (29 million euros) in a new funding round. The Finnish company will use the funds for increased acquisition and international expansion. To date, eBrands has raised close to 50 million euros.

Finnish consumers rate ecommerce the least eco-friendly industry compared to the rest of Northern Europe, while Danish customers are the most critical about sustainability. Moreover, Finn.no, Matsmart, Aarstiderne, Tori.fi and Bol.com are voted most sustainable online retailers.

Dutch online auction company TBAuctions is acquiring the Bjarøy Group and Swedish auction platform PS Auction. The acquisitions accelerate the company's plan to build a pan-European platform for second hand goods.

Ecommerce businesses that ship to customers within the EU need to comply with VAT rules. These rules apply to all member states. But what happens when shipping to a state that's not a member?

The Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden were very early adopters of the internet and have a highly developed digital infrastructure. Online shopping is very common in the Nordics, yet research reveals that there is still growth potential in this region.