Nordic region e-commerce worth more than €21.9bn in 2016
Nordic e-commerce consumers bought goods online with a total value of €21.9bn in 2016, according to a new report from PostNord. PostNord’s ninth annual “E-commerce in the Nordic region” report found that Swedes bought the most, at €8.5bn, while Norwegians averaged the highest monthly sum per person, at €173, closely followed by the Danes, with an average of €162.
The Finns were the keenest on cross-border e-commer, with 46% of them making purchases from foreign websites each month. More than one in three Nordic e-consumers buy from abroad and a quarter of the total Nordic e-commerce, €5.4bn, consists of purchases made on foreign sites. Britain and China are the most popular countries for such foreign purchases, followed by Germany, the USA, and Sweden.
Tellingly, eight in ten Nordic online shoppers consider that being able to choose the method of delivery.
PostNord said: “There are both similarities and distinct differences between the various countries in this regard. In Finland and Norway, the preferred option is to have goods delivered home in the mailbox, whereas picking up parcels oneself at collection points is most popular in Sweden and Denmark.
“Finland stands out in the survey in terms of using parcel boxes that are available throughout the day more than is the case in other countries, while the Danes are those who most like and have the best opportunity to have their goods that have been purchased online delivered directly to the door.
“There are also national differences between countries regarding requirements for fast deliveries. Swedes and Danes are those that expect and also get the fastest delivery. Norwegians and Finns make more purchases from abroad, which is probably why they expect to receive deliveries on average one day later.”
PostNord e-commerce expert Arne Andersson commented: “Exciting new solutions for more flexible delivery are on their way in and consumers want to have more influence than ever. People are keen to be able to track their parcels continuously, but also to decide whether they will be delivered tomorrow, in three days or in two weeks – at home, at work or at their summer house.”
