Ecommerce in Poland to double by 2027
Poland's e-commerce market is on track to double by 2027, with a projected growth rate of 15.5% from 2022 to 2027. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the growth of Poland's e-commerce sector, as remote working and restrictions on in-person shopping shifted consumer behavior towards online shopping.Poland has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding e-commerce markets in Europe, experiencing a consistent rise in the count of registered e-commerce stores on a yearly basis. The trend is driven by Polish online shoppers embracing online shopping and doing so more frequently.
According to E-Commerce DB, Poland's e-commerce market grew by an impressive 19% in 2021, contributing to the global growth rate. The momentum is expected to continue in the coming years, with new markets emerging and established ones expanding further. Notably, East and Southeast Asia are also expected to drive global growth due to their growing middle classes and underdeveloped offline shopping infrastructure.
While e-commerce is thriving in Poland, it still represents a smaller percentage of overall retail sales compared to the EU average. In 2020, online sales accounted for 14% of all retail sales in Poland, but this is expected to rise to 20% by 2026. Despite the growth, Poland's e-commerce market remains competitive, with both local and international players vying for a share of the expanding market.
Major players in the Polish e-commerce market include Allegro.pl, a popular shopping site with 40 million users in the country. Additional notable e-commerce players in Poland consist of Groupon.pl, Opineo.pl, Neo24.pl, Komputronik, Empik Digital & Publishing, and Merlin.pl.
Regarding the legal landscape, cryptocurrency businesses in Poland operate within a generally permissible framework, as there is no specific prohibition for such activities in Polish law. However, crypto businesses are required to be registered in the activities register for virtual currencies. The registration process involves fulfilling specific requirements, including no criminal record and professional qualifications. Failure to register could result in penalties of up to PLN 100,000.
Overall, Poland's e-commerce market is set for robust growth, driven by the ongoing shift to online shopping and favorable regulatory conditions for cryptocurrency businesses. With its thriving market and promising investment opportunities, Poland remains an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors looking to capitalize on the digital economy's tremendous potential.
