Spain continues to stand out as one of the most attractive markets for e-commerce worldwide, occupying the 18th place in the most influential countries in eCommerce, according to the report The Global Retail eCommerce Index 2015, prepared by the prestigious American consulting firm AT KearneyWith an average score of around 40 points, the Spanish market is gaining ground in this constantly growing industry.
The rise of eCommerce in Spain
In last year's report, Spain failed to rank among the 30 leading countries in e-commerce. However, today it has not only entered the list, but it also occupies a solid position thanks to the efforts of local companies and entrepreneurs. This growth reflects a potential annual increase of 20% in Spanish e-commerce, which places the country on a par with giants like the United States, which leads with a projection of 22%.
It is important to note that according to estimates, annual sales in Spain are expected to continue growing at a steady pace. 16% over the next five years, further consolidating its position on the global e-commerce map.
Mike Moriarty, a partner at AT Kearney and one of the study's authors, says that “The rise of electronic commerce has presented challenges: both for distributors with a physical presence and exclusively digital ones. They are learning that the future of the industry is not only digital, but that a creative offering is needed that connects online and physical purchases ».
For her part, Hana Ben-Shabat, also a partner of the consultancy and co-author of the list, concludes that "Brands are global for a reason: their systems, scale and knowledge of regions force them to push their boundaries a little further". And it is that determining where to put your goals is, according to Ben-Shabat, "The only way to take advantage of current sales and profit growth opportunities".
The global impact: leaders in global eCommerce
The United States and China lead the global eCommerce market, however, the United Kingdom stands out by taking third place in the ranking. Germany, France and South Korea also occupy outstanding positions, while countries such as Russia and Belgium show significant progress due to innovative strategies implemented in their digital markets.
The most influential sectors in Spanish e-commerce
In Spain, sectors such as IT, electronics and fashion Online sales dominate. On the other hand, emerging categories such as parapharmacy and floristry show high competitiveness, although they represent a smaller percentage of total sales volume.
As for featured platforms, Amazon, El Corte Inglés and Fnac lead e-commerce in the country. However, sectors such as food have not yet achieved significant penetration, despite the increase in online supermarkets.
Consumption dynamics by age and purchasing habits
Consumers aged 16 to 35 represent the largest percentage of online shoppers in Spain. Within this range, the most popular products are: fashion, music, books and technology.
The advancement of Mobile Commerce
Mobile commerce has shown a significant impact in Spain. According to recent studies, more than 60% of digital purchases are made through mobile devices, forcing companies to optimize their platforms to ensure a superior user experience.
The future of eCommerce in Spain
Projections for 2025 indicate that More than 70% of eCommerce transactions will be made on mobile devices, reaffirming the current trend. In addition, elements such as sustainability and cybersecurity are becoming a priority for consumers, who are looking for trust in brands and ethical practices throughout the purchasing process.
Furthermore, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies promises to revolutionize the sector, offering advanced personalization and new forms of payment that will increase consumer confidence.
Spain faces a unique opportunity to establish itself as a global e-commerce leader. With a favourable environment driven by increasing digitalisation and technological innovation, this market promises to continue to expand in the years to come.