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Ecommerce Facts and Figures in France

Mobile commerce and online shopper behaviour in France

Read below more about ecommerce growth, Ecommerce sales and cross-border ecommerce in France

General overview and facts and figures 

This overview was first published in ‘eCommerce Insights and Trends Snapshot: France’, an eBook produced in association with our partner ACI Worldwide – and based on data from ACI Worldwide. Download your free copy of the eBook below to gain access to a comprehensive analysis of the insights that matter most when measuring the size and type of opportunities in the ecommerce market in France. 

In France, as in many of its neighbours in Europe, a series of movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 undoubtedly the year of ecommerce. But, as 2021 saw the easing and then strengthening again of restrictions, a more nuanced picture has begun to emerge of the lasting impacts on consumer shopping behaviours. 

The volume and value of ecommerce transactions in 2021 clearly show the release of pent-up demand from consumers hankering for a return to ‘normal’ life. But the data also shows that some changes in behaviour enforced by lockdowns look set to endure, blending with pre-COVID-19 behaviours to accelerate adoption of experiences that blur the lines between ecommerce and bricks and mortar, such as Buy Online, Pick-up In Store (BOPIS) and Buy Online, Return In Store (BORIS). 

Total population 

67.6 million 

Age breakdown 

  • 0-14: 2015 – 18.6%, 2025 – 17.1% 

  • 15-64: 2015 – 63.0%, 2025 – 60.7% 

  • 65 and above: 2015 – 18.4%, 2025 – 22.2% 

Internet penetration (internet users % of total population) 

83.8 

Internet banking penetration (% aged 16+) 

73.0 

Banked population (% aged 15+) 

94.8 

Mobile penetration (per 100 persons) 

109.2 

Smartphone penetration by age group 

  • 12-17: 91% 

  • 18-24: 95% 

  • 25-39: 95% 

  • 40-59: 87% 

  • 60-69: 78% 

  • 70+: 59% 

Ecommerce value 

2021: EUR 122.7 billion 

  • 12% decreased volume of ecommerce transactions, 2021 vs 2020 

  • 26% increase in average ticket value (ATV) 

  • 74% of French consumers have purchased at least one product online in the past 12 months, and they most frequently use smartphone devices for doing so 

Cross-border ecommerce opportunities 

By 2020, 50% of French online shoppers had made at least one cross-border purchase: 

  • to China: 44% of cross-border purchases 

  • to Germany: 13% of cross-border purchases 

  • to the UK: 13% of cross-border purchases