Stay ahead of these e-commerce trends!
The year 2024 brought a significant boost for Czech e-commerce. The last quarter, traditionally bringing two major shopping peaks – Black Friday and the Christmas season – confirmed a strong year-on-year increase in online sales. After a record November, when e-shops saw unexpectedly high revenue, the Czech E-commerce Association (APEK) estimated that domestic e-commerce would grow by more than 5% in 2024. The increased number of transactions is also evidenced by PayU’s own data.
What are the outlooks for 2025? The good news is that the trend should remain positive. While the domestic market remains highly competitive, Czech consumer’s willingness to spend is high. E-shops face pressure not only from pricing but also from a service quality perspective.
To succeed (not only) in 2025, it is crucial to follow the below trends, as customers are increasingly seeking not just products but also comfort, security, and convenience during their shopping experience.
Data is essential for proper decision-making. Track your customers’ behavior – what products they view, which payment methods they prefer, and when they abandon their shopping cart. Analyzing this data can help you identify possible problems or opportunities for improvement. Perhaps your customers are searching for more sustainable or cheaper alternatives, or they might abandon their cart when they do not see their favorite payment option available. For example, did you know that the popularity of digital wallets is significantly growing in the Czech Republic?
Having a competitive advantage does not necessarily mean offering the lowest price. Customers also appreciate convenience, speedy delivery, and wide product range. If you offer products that don’t meet their expectations, or if you complicate the payment process, they are likely to shop elsewhere. Offer them something extra – such as fast checkout, convenient shipping, or an easy return process.
Up to 70% of orders are made from mobile devices, highlighting the importance of optimizing e-shops for shopping on “small screens.” Ensure your e-shop has a responsive design that adapts to screen size, loads quickly, and allows for easy navigation. Also, ensure smooth integration of popular mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. PayU summarized how to create a quality mobile app or website in a previous blog.
The Czech market isn’t limitless! Selling on international markets can significantly expand your customer base. Consider localizing your website and starting sales in countries like Slovakia or Poland. PayU offers responsive gateway and payment options tailored to local customer preferences, making it easier to enter new markets. With the International Currency Payout (ICP) service, e-shops can withdraw funds from their business account in more than 130 currencies.
When a customer is deciding whether to complete their purchase, they need clear information and potentially quick assistance. Make sure your website contains easily accessible answers to frequently asked questions or consider implementing a chatbot. Proactively inform customers about new offers, changes in product availability, or delivery dates. Such communication not only enhances the shopping experience but also strengthens the customer relationship and increases loyalty.
Moreover, partnering with a trusted payment solution provider like PayU allows you to clearly demonstrate and further promote your commitment to shopping safety. A recent Mastercard survey revealed that half of Czechs have already been targeted by a cyberattack, and 10% have paid for goods that never arrived. This is likely to make consumers more cautious and drive them toward secure shopping destinations.