Online purchases in Belgium increased by almost a quarter (22%) in 2022 compared to the previous year, representing €14.7 billion in revenue and a total of 170 million purchases, according to a BeCommerce poll published on Wednesday.
Despite the energy crisis and historically high inflation, online commerce continues to be increasingly popular with Belgians
The number of online purchases made last year is 34% higher compared to 2020, a year marked by pandemic confinements when most shopping was only available online. Compared to five years ago, Belgians made 75% more online purchases.
Belgians are spending more online. Credit: Belga/Local Focus
According to the BeCommerce Market Monitor, 8.5 million Belgians shopped online in 2022, with 12% of all spending (physical and internet) was done online in 2022 – the same percentage as in 2020.
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It was mainly spending on services that contributed to the growth last year, with an increase of 53% compared to 2021, to reach 6.7 billion euros. Two-thirds (66%) of services were purchased online, with travel packages representing 41% of purchases, followed by air tickets and accommodation (27%) and recreational activities and events (13%).
The most purchased products are the same as in 2021: clothing (22%), food and related goods (15%) and shoes and accessories (11%).
