On October 27, 2025, Amazon announced a planned investment of more than €1.4 billion over the next three years (2025–2027) in the Netherlands. This marks Amazon’s most significant financial commitment to the Dutch market since its local operations launched in 2020. According to the company, the investment underlines its confidence in the Netherlands as a growth market. It reaffirms its focus on innovation, customer experience, low prices, wide selection, and support for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Scope and focus of the investment

The investment will support both Amazon’s retail operations in the Netherlands and its cloud business under AWS (Amazon Web Services).
Key areas of deployment include:

• Infrastructure development (logistics, warehousing, delivery points) to improve speed, convenience, and selection.
  
• Technology enhancements, including AI and cloud capabilities, to support Dutch entrepreneurs selling on Amazon’s platform.
  
• Expansion of services for third-party sellers, including logistics and marketing tools and export support.
  

Amazon Impact on Dutch SMEs and exports

The company emphasises that more than 60% of all products sold via Amazon.nl come from its selling partners.
More than 4,500 Dutch SMEs currently sell on Amazon, with nearly 90% reaching customers in over 170 countries.
Over 75% of these Dutch-seller exports go to other EU member states — mainly Germany, France, the US, the UK and Italy.

Employment and economic contribution

Amazon currently employs over 1,000 people in the Netherlands across its offices in Amsterdam and The Hague, a sorting centre in Rozenburg, and other logistics operations.
Independent research by macro-economic consultancy Keystone Strategy estimates that in 2024, Amazon’s investment in the Netherlands supported more than 2,000 indirect jobs and 900 induced jobs, and contributed more than €200 million to Dutch GDP for that year. The total cumulative contribution since 2013 exceeds €1 billion.

Strategic implications of Amazon position in the Netherlands

Despite this significant investment, Amazon still trails the local market leader, Bol.com (owned by Ahold Delhaize) in the Netherlands. Bol.com reported approximately €3.1 billion in sales in 2024 compared with Amazon’s estimated €1 billion. By ramping up investment, Amazon is clearly aiming to capture more market share, enhance its service offering (for example, next-day delivery and parcel lockers,) and strengthen its logistics and cloud footprint in the country.

Leveraging cloud and AI capabilities

The investment also signals a push into SaaS, cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities in the Netherlands via AWS. This aligns with broader industry trends of cloud and AI expansion in Europe. The Dutch market is seen as strategically crucial given its role as a logistics and tech hub in Europe.

However, this push is happening amid increasing scrutiny in the Netherlands over reliance on US-based cloud and software providers. Earlier this year, the Dutch parliament called for ending dependence on US software and cloud services.

Support for SMEs and internationalisation

By enabling Dutch SMEs to access Amazon’s global marketplace and Amazon’s cloud and logistics backing, Amazon aims to boost cross-border trade, innovation and digitalisation among local businesses. This support for SMEs aligns with Dutch national priorities for export growth and digital transformation.

In effect, Amazon is offering a dual value proposition: improving the consumer experience for Dutch customers and enhancing opportunities for Dutch businesses in local and global markets.

What this means for Amazon stakeholders

Consumers in the Netherlands can expect improved services: wider product choice, lower prices, and faster, more convenient delivery options, including pickup points and next-day delivery. Amazon’s explicit promise is to offer low prices, a wide selection of products, and faster and easier delivery options to Dutch customers.
This competitive push may also pressure local players to upgrade their logistics, delivery and price strategies.

For Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

The investment opens up opportunities for Dutch SMEs to:

• Sell to a much larger customer base via Amazon’s platform.
  
• Benefit from Amazon-provided logistics solutions and marketing/export tools.
  
• Leverage AWS, cloud and AI tools to enhance their productivity, innovation and global reach.
  For many SMEs this could mean transformational growth, especially in export-oriented sectors.
  

For the Dutch economy and labour market

Amazon’s investment contributes to job creation, both directly (through employment in Amazon facilities) and indirectly (through construction, logistics, and professional services). The estimated economic contribution of over €200 million to GDP in one year, and cumulative contributions of more than €1 billion since 2013, underline the macroeconomic significance.

Policymakers may view this as a reinforcement of the Netherlands’ attractiveness for foreign direct investment in tech, logistics, and digital operations.

For Amazon’s broader European strategy

This move in the Netherlands is part of Amazon’s broader European investment strategy. The company recently announced a €1 billion investment in Belgium, along with similar expansion efforts in other markets.

 It reflects Amazon’s intent to deepen its footprint in the Euro zone, strengthen its retail and cloud operations, and position itself for longer-term growth amid intensifying competition and regulatory scrutiny.

Risks and considerations

There are several factors to monitor:

• While Amazon has announced the investment, actual execution, delivery-speed improvements, and durability of SME support will be crucial.
  
• Regulatory and policy issues: the Netherlands and the EU are increasingly focused on competition, data sovereignty, and cloud independence. Amazon’s cloud and AI push may face regulatory or public-policy headwinds.
  
• Competitive dynamics: local players like Bol.com remain strong. Amazon must deliver differentiated service to gain meaningful market share.
  
• Labour and logistic pressures: if Amazon ramps up logistics investments and delivery speed, it will face cost pressures, labour-market constraints, and sustainability challenges.
  
• Economic climate: macro-economic pressures such as inflation, supply-chain tensions and consumer-spending softness in Europe could affect the retail side of the business.

Amazon’s investment of over €1.4 billion in the Netherlands clearly signals its ambition to deepen its presence in one of Europe’s most mature e-commerce markets, enhance its cloud and AI footprint via AWS, and empower Dutch SMEs to grow in local and international markets. 

For Dutch consumers, businesses, and the economy at large, this development is significant: improved service levels, increased export opportunities, and stronger job and economic creation. At the same time, Amazon will need to navigate competitive, regulatory, and operational challenges to translate this investment into sustained growth.

The post Amazon Invests €1.4 Billion in The Netherlands appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Social commerce—selling goods directly via social platforms—is no longer just a buzzword; it’s fast becoming a core retail channel in the Netherlands. With shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and regulation, Dutch brands and retailers must adapt quickly to stay relevant.

In this article, you'll find data-driven insights, trends, challenges, and actionable strategies for succeeding in the Dutch social commerce ecosystem in 2025.

Market Outlook & Growth Trajectory

Strong projected growth

• The Netherlands’ social commerce market is expected to grow at a rate of 20.6% annually, reaching USD 7.39 billion by the end of 2025.
  
• From 2021 to 2024, the sector achieved a 22% CAGR, driven by deeper integration of commerce features in social apps.
  
• Post-2025, the forecasted CAGR from 2025 to 2030 is around 16.6%, expanding the market to nearly USD 15.92 billion by 2030.
  
• At the European level, social commerce is also experiencing significant growth: Europe’s market is projected to increase by 20.7% in 2025, reaching USD 146.35 billion.
  

These numbers underscore that the Netherlands is part of a broader continental shift toward shopping via social media.

Consumer adoption & penetration

• In the Netherlands, approximately 37% of consumers make purchases via Facebook and YouTube, while 35% use Instagram for shopping purposes.
  
• The share of consumers purchasing new products or brands via social media jumped from 13% in late 2023 to 31% in late 2024.
  
• On a generational level, 60% of Gen Z reported purchasing new products via social media in 2024.
  
• Dutch consumers are increasingly discovering brands via social media, with 66% of Gen Z reporting they found new products or brands on these platforms.
  

These adoption figures suggest social commerce is no longer niche—it’s becoming a standard shopping path, especially among younger users.

Key Drivers & Trends in Dutch Social Commerce

Integration of commerce into social platforms

Social media apps are evolving to embed shopping more deeply, with features such as live shopping, shoppable posts, in-app storefronts, and streamlined payment flows. The goal is to minimize friction between browsing and buying.

Investment in creator & influencer experiences

Brands are shifting budgets toward micro- and macro-influencers and creators, not just for reach, but also for authenticity. Nearly half of social-first brands report that partnerships with creators and influencers deliver the highest ROI. However, only around 39% of social-first brands say social commerce currently provides high ROI, suggesting there is still room for optimization.

Content, UGC, and “sharing the pen”

The concept of “sharing the pen”—letting creators and users contribute content—is gaining traction. User-generated content and social proof help build trust and drive conversions.

Regulatory & disclosure risks

In the Netherlands, influencer marketing compliance and transparency are under scrutiny. Research shows that disclosure practices are often lacking or insufficient across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Future regulations, both national and EU-wide, may require tighter rules for social commerce promotions, particularly to protect younger users.

Mobile-first & frictionless experience

With around 61% of Dutch consumers considering smartphone shopping as their primary mode, mobile-first execution is vital. The smoother the checkout within the social app, the less likely users are to abandon their cart.

Challenges & Risks for Dutch Brands

Actionable Strategies for Dutch Retailers

• Optimized in-app shopping experience: Utilize shoppable posts, live commerce, and embedded catalogs to keep users within the app.
  
• Leverage creators and community voices: Co-create content with trusted influencers and engage customers as brand ambassadors.
  
• Focus on mobile-first design and speed: Design social posts, checkout flows, and media with mobile users as priority.
  
• Experiment and iterate with attribution models: Use A/B testing and tracking to understand what works.
  
• Ensure legal and ethical compliance: Include disclosure tags and align with Dutch and EU ad regulations.
  
• Omnichannel integration: Let social commerce feed into your web store, CRM, email, and physical touchpoints.
  
• Localization and cultural relevance: Utilize the Dutch language, local imagery, cultural events, and tailored offers to foster stronger connections with consumers.
  

Social commerce in the Netherlands is experiencing rapid acceleration. The numbers indicate a transformative shift: for many Dutch consumers, discovering and purchasing products via social platforms is becoming a regular part of the shopping journey. Brands that embrace creators, deliver seamless mobile shopping, and respect regulatory boundaries will be best positioned to capture this growth.

The post Social Commerce Playbook for the Netherlands 2025 appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

The Netherlands is a digitally advanced e-commerce market, with online retail sales exceeding US$43 billion in 2023, expected to grow to around US$63 billion by 2027. Nearly 40 % of purchases are made via mobile devices, highlighting consumers’ preference for fast and trusted digital payment options.

Today, we want to take a deep look at the Netherlands' current e-commerce payment solutions landscape.

Market Overview and Consumer Preferences

iDEAL Dominance in Dutch Payments

iDEAL, the Dutch bank-transfer-based payment system, processes approximately 60–70 % of all online transactions in the Netherlands. It rose from 69% in Q3 2022 to 73% in Q3 2023, confirming its position as the undisputed market leader in e-commerce payments.

Use of Cards and Digital Wallets

Credit and debit cards are less frequently used by Dutch consumers (approximately 14% of transactions), although they remain essential for international shoppers and higher-value purchases. Digital wallets, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, account for around 11% of transactions, favored by younger and mobile-first shoppers.

Emergence of BNPL and Open Banking

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is gaining traction in the Netherlands. The market is expected to reach approximately US $10.3 billion in 2025, growing at a 14 % annual rate, with providers like Klarna and Riverty expanding their partnerships with local retailers. Meanwhile, open banking and real-time account-to-account (A2A) payments are rising due to faster settlement and reduced reliance on cards.

Leading E‑Commerce Payment Methods in 2025

iDEAL (Bank‑Based Payments)

iDEAL remains the cornerstone of Dutch online checkout, accounting for over 70% of e-commerce transactions. Shoppers authenticate via their own bank’s secure environment, with prefilled payment information and instant confirmation. The integration of iDEAL is crucial for conversions in Dutch webshops.

Credit & Debit Cards

Used for approximately 14 % of transactions, cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, V Pay) are primarily favored by cross-border customers, higher-basket shoppers, and B2B merchants. For domestic Dutch shoppers, iDEAL remains the preferred alternative.

International Wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay)

These digital wallets account for around 11 % usage and help merchants attract international consumers and younger shoppers. They offer speedy checkout and minimal friction, although conversion rates remain highest with local payment methods.

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

BNPL adoption is on the rise, with consumers drawn to the flexibility and deferred payments offered. Major providers like Klarna and Riverty are expanding in the Netherlands, particularly among shoppers of fashion and electronics.

Open Banking‑Driven Real‑Time Payments

Real-time A2A payments, enabled by open banking frameworks, are emerging as the preferred method for fast, secure, and cost-effective e-commerce transactions—bypassing cards and reducing fees.

European Payments Initiative: Wero Transition

Wero and the Future of Dutch Payments

The European Payments Initiative (EPI) acquired iDEAL in October 2023 and is preparing to transform it into Wero, a pan‑European digital wallet system. Wero is set to gradually replace iDEAL and expand functionality to online shopping, mobile commerce, QR-based checkout, BNPL, loyalty integration, and European data sovereignty features. Full rollout in the Netherlands is expected between 2025 and 2026, following pilot stages in other markets.

Strategic Considerations for Dutch E‑Commerce Merchants

Prioritizing Local Payment Experience

Dutch consumers overwhelmingly prefer local bank-based payments. Offering iDEAL should be non-negotiable. Only after iDEAL should merchants layer in cards, wallets, or BNPL as secondary options.

Mobile Optimization and Checkout Flow

With nearly 40 % of purchases via mobile, checkout experiences must be streamlined, mobile-first, and support bank-based authentication methods like iDEAL. Digital wallets and BNPL are essential for enhancing speed and conversion on mobile devices.

Preparing for Wero and EU Integration

Merchants should stay informed about the Wero rollout, as it will eventually subsume iDEAL. Preparing integration pathways and ensuring compliance with evolving EU payment regulations (PSD2/3 and Strong Customer Authentication) will keep merchants competitive and future-ready.

Summary Table: Netherlands E‑Commerce Payment Methods 2025

In the Netherlands, iDEAL remains indispensable, representing the largest share of e-commerce payments. Cards and international wallets offer supplementary reach, while BNPL and real-time open banking provide modern flexibility. The upcoming Wero platform represents the next-generation EU-compatible payment framework.

Merchants seeking success in the Dutch market should prioritize iDEAL support, optimize for mobile and local preferences, and prepare for Wero-based payment evolution within the coming years.

The post E‑Commerce Payment Landscape in the Netherlands 2025 appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

According to a new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Netherlands' e-commerce penetration rate is the highest globally, at 84%. Following the ranking are the UK, Sweden, and Denmark, with over four out of five users also buying online.

China ranks fifth and is the first non-European country in the e-commerce penetration list, as indicated in UNCTAD’s Digital Economy Report (page 145). These percentages reflect the proportion of internet users who shop online. This proportion is relatively high in China, but many Chinese consumers are not yet digitally active.

Norway (6th), Switzerland (8th), and Germany (9th) are also high on UNCTAD’s list. Canada (7th) and South Korea complete the top 10, followed closely by the United States. France, Spain, and Italy rank much lower. In Southern Europe, many internet users are not online shoppers; fewer than four in ten in Italy.

The e-commerce market in the Netherlands, worth nearly 35 billion euros in 2023, is quite mature, as evidenced by the large share of online shoppers and the significant number of citizens with access to high-speed internet. Bol, a local player, has been the market leader for years.

Mobile e-commerce keeps growing in the Netherlands 

According to a Worldpay report, Dutch consumers embrace alternative payment methods, especially mobile payments and e-invoicing. Additionally, the report by Worldpay shows that e-invoicing is on its way to almost triple the market share between now and 2024 and will thus become the most popular online payment method.

The popularity of e-wallets is also increasing by 22% annually. Its market share is expected to almost double in the next four years.

Mark Fleming, general manager for EMEA, Global Enterprise e-commerce at Worldpay, said: "In today's world, people depend on their phone for multiple activities, from payments to financial planning. The rise of m-commerce is one activity that allows traders to understand expectations from the relevant markets.”

The report shows that Dutch consumers, in particular, have high expectations regarding mobile shopping. To keep up with the developments, Worldpay advises merchants to invest in their own apps, build a smooth checkout experience for each device, and support various digital payment methods.

The post The UN claims: The Netherlands is the most established e-commerce market in the World  appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

At least 95.8% of European consumers shopped online in the first quarter of this year. In the United Kingdom, that percentage was 93%. In the Netherlands, 96% of consumers shopped online. Specifically, the highest % of respondents who have made online purchases, 99%, were recorded among people between 35 and 44 years of age. In addition, this age group was the largest (25%) in the highest spending segment, which is between 351 to 583 euros. 

These data come from the recently published Consumer Insight Report from AliExpress. The online marketplace surveyed over 8,500 consumers from France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands about their online shopping habits in the first quarter of this year.

The survey also reveals that online marketplaces continue to be the preferred channel for shopping, with 53.5% of Spanish consumers stating that they have purchased from them. 

By region, consumers in the Canary Islands are the ones who have used marketplaces the most to make at least one purchase in the last quarter, with 60% doing so, followed by Andalusians with 59%.

UK consumers are the ‘big spenders’ 

According to the report, 63% of consumers in the United Kingdom spent an average of between 100 and 500 euros online during the first quarter. The remaining 37% spent less than 100 euros during that period. Regarding consumers in the Netherlands, 75% spent over 100 euros.

‘In the United Kingdom, millennials and Gen Z consumers spent the most on fashion online.’

Fashion was the most popular online shopping category. In the United Kingdom, Gen Z and millennials spent the most in this category. This insight shows that British consumers like to follow the latest fashion trends.

Most sold categories 

Among survey participants, the top-selling categories on AliExpress were:

• Clothing, underwear, pajamas and footwear: 83.5%.
• Home appliances and consumer electronics: 79.5%.
• Phones/telecommunications: 75.5%.
• Sports and entertainment: 52.5%.
• Beauty and health: 52%.

Gary Topp, European Sales Director at AliExpress, said: "The results of our latest Consumer Insight Report highlight the growing importance of e-commerce in the daily lives of European and Spanish consumers. As we head into the summer with many sporting events, we see more and more consumers buying products focused on sports and wellness. As the first exclusive e-commerce partner of UEFA EURO 2024, we are looking forward to bringing consumers closer to the action."

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Dutch online sales reached over 33.3 billion euros in 2022. This represents a 9% increase year over year in comparison with 2021. Still, even when the gross sales volume increased, the actual number of transactions decreased by 5%. 

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Meaning Dutch consumers bought fewer products but with a higher price tag. The increase per price tag is close to 15% more. 

In 2021, Dutch buyers spent 30.6 billion euros on online stores, and the total number of online purchases then was 366 million. Last year, this amount dropped to 347 million. Just like in 2021, 97 % of the population buys online.

The numbers come from the latest Thuiswinkel Market Monitor from the Dutch e-commerce association Thuiswinkel.org. 

The report explains that the number of online purchases and spending on services increased in 2022 with 49% and 54%, respectively, while it decreased for products - a decrease of 10% and 7% %, respectively - which clearly indicates that the Dutch e-commerce market is moving towards a more service-oriented scenario.

More Cross Border spending 

Alongside other key findings in the report, the number of cross-border purchases decreased by 5%compared to 2021. However, the total spending on these purchases increased by 20%. 

This is mainly caused by the growth in spending in Package Travel (up 164%) and Flight tickets and Accommodation (up 74%), mainly purchased in the United States, Austria, Great Britain, and Germany.

Mobile is growing as an option for Dutch online sales 

Last year, the number of online purchases made using a smartphone increased from 29% to 33%. “If we look at the growth of smartphone use over the past five years, we see a clearer picture: in 2017, only 13% of online purchases were made with the smartphone. Five years later, smartphone use has thus increased two and a half times.”

As in 2021, 70% of online purchases last year were paid for with iDeal. As many as 96% of online shoppers used this payment method at least once in the past year. The number of consumers using credit cards rose from 28% to 31%. At the same time, Riverty actually shows a decrease in the number of users (from 23% to 19%).

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By Intershop - The 2022 edition of the annual B2B E-commerce Markt Monitor is out: 6,502 corporate buyers across the Netherlands were asked about their online ordering experiences and expectations. The report provides valuable insight into the state of e-commerce in the Dutch business market, including the associated opportunities for growth.

🔥Find out more about B2B E-commerce Markt Monitor 2022, and also on how Intershop can help you build the perfect B2B e-commerce solution for your brand here!🔥

In recent years, the number of online corporate orders has increased substantially. If you thought this was a temporary, COVID-related upswing—think again! No less than 90% of Dutch corporate buyers are now ordering online. And nearly half of them expect to place over 90% of their orders online in five years’ time. This report clearly shows that B2B e-commerce is a growth market. However, it also reveals that B2B e-commerce currently doesn’t always meet the expectations and wishes of corporate buyers. That means there are plenty of growth opportunities for companies using e-commerce to serve the B2B market.

B2B E-commerce Markt Monitor 2022

What are the top 3 takeaways from your B2B e-commerce strategy?

1. Invest in time savings and ease of order to increase efficiency for your corporate customers.

Saving time turned out to be the main reason for ordering online for 35% of the Dutch B2B buyers surveyed, while delivery convenience was cited by 28% of respondents. These drivers differentiate B2B buyers from consumers, who are mainly interested in broad product ranges and extensive search and comparison options. If you want to serve the B2B market effectively, you’d be wise to set up your online shop in such a way that navigating, searching, and orders are all quick and easy.

2. You achieve more with compelling customer experiences – also in B2B.

According to the respondents, the biggest disadvantage of online ordering for the business market is that products cannot be physically handled or viewed (27 %). This is an area where B2B online shops and order portals can definitely learn something from successful B2C e-commerce players, whose product pages are much more focused on the customer experience. Luckily, there are also plenty of opportunities in this regard for B2B companies, starting with displaying clear product photos, including from different angles, and with the ability to zoom in. In addition, you should provide accurate product descriptions and specifications, related and complementary products as well as instructional videos, reviews, and manuals. By describing and displaying your products as comprehensively as possible, you can overcome the reservations of experienced corporate buyers.

3. Personalization is your key to growth in B2B e-commerce.

Just 21% of the Dutch B2B buyers accounted for a massive 78% of all online corporate orders last year. These super buyers, called “heavy shoppers” in the report, ordered 127 times a year on average. So for B2B e-commerce, this is a very valuable group of buyers. Especially when you consider that these heavy shoppers often work for mid-sized and large companies and they buy mainly from B2B shops and portals and less often from online shops that also serve the consumer market.

Optimizing the user experience for these heavy shoppers with a personalized customer journey across all order channels will boost conversion, the share of wallet, and customer loyalty. Options here include displaying a customer-specific range of products, personalized search results and recommendations, and having a personalized checkout where an order (or repeat order) can be placed with minimal effort.

A must-read for anyone using e-commerce to serve the B2B market

Naturally, the B2B E-commerce Markt Monitor 2022 contains many more interesting facts, figures, insights, and opportunities. For example, what do corporate buyers expect in terms of payment options, sustainability, and logistics? Which products are most often ordered online? And what adjustments can you make to your e-commerce strategy to ensure that you gain ground as a B2B supplier in the years ahead? The report answers these and other questions—supported by solid data. The B2B E-commerce Markt Monitor 2022 is a must-read for every company that serves the B2B market and wants to grow its e-commerce business based on hard facts. Because one thing is clear from the report’s subtitle: In B2B, the shift from offline to online continues unabated.

The B2B E-commerce Markt Monitor 2022 is the result of a collaboration between Intershop and PostNL, De Nieuwe Zaak, Currence, and Thuiswinkel.org.

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Benelux’s marketplace Bol.com has doubled its number of sellers during the last three years, reaching the mark of 50.000 partner sellers. Currently, partner sellers are responsible for 60% percent of the platform’s revenue in the first quarter of 2022. 

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Bol.com, the Dutch competitor for Amazon, started selling through partners in 2011. One third of all partners currently use Bol.com’s fulfillment service. The ecommerce platform expects this to grow to a whopping 90 percent by 2025. But the growth in partners is slowing down after the pandemic. Yet in the past 2020, 10.000 partners joined the platform.

Bol.com has over 41 million products and 13 million customers

According to Bol.com, mostly all third-party merchants are located in the Netherlands and Belgium. And it is thanks to these sellers that Bol.com now offers 41 million products in multiple categories.

During peak year 2020, the product range grew with 12 million items, an increase of 42 percent. The platform currently has 13 million Dutch and Belgian customers.

Still… no IPO for Bol.com

Last year, the Dutch group surprised everyone by announcing that it would take bol.com public in the second half of 2022. The announcement was striking at the time, as many other e-tailers had been hit hard on the stock market or (like Coolblue) had even completely canceled their IPOs.

Nevertheless, in November, Ahold Delhaize remained positive: an IPO of bol.com would bring in a lot of additional capital (experts talked about a valuation of six billion euros) and many additional growth opportunities. Less than a year later, however, the supermarket group reportedly revised its opinion, albeit – probably – temporarily.

Belgian business newspaper De Tijd quotes insiders who point to the decline in online sales after the extreme peak during the pandemic, but also to the difficulties of the stock markets. At Ahold Delhaize, there is no confirmation or denial at the moment – “We are fully focused on finding the right way to create value for Bol.com and Ahold Delhaize”, a spokesperson told De Tijd. An announcement on the bol.com IPO is expected next week, when the second quarter results are presented.

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Peek & Cloppenburg announced last December that a Dutch webshop will be launched. The webshop is now expected to open this upcoming autumn. Unlike in Germany, there are no plans to close any of the shops in the Netherlands. The department store has reported this to

In Austria and Eastern Europe, the fashion department store is doing very well. However, in Germany, and also in Belgium and the Netherlands, things are starting to slow down. Considering that of the fifty-four Peek and Cloppenburg-stores that were there in 1998, only three are still left in the Netherlands, Rupert Parker Brady of Retaildenkers says: “We have to wonder why the department store is still active in the Netherlands at all.”

In Germany however, three of its branches are closing down: in Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Gießen and Unna. In Bocholt, just across the border, a new department store of 5,500 square meters is planning on opening its doors. P&C is also opening three new stores this year in Eastern Europe: two in Romania (Cluj and Timisoara) and one in the Croatian capital Zagreb.

The future

By the year 2020, P&C will make its entrance into Estonia- specifically in the capital, Tallinn. This brings the number of countries where P&C’s stores are located to 16, with a total of more than 120 branches.

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Albert Heijn developed an algorithm that takes various factors into account. It calculates the best price to eliminate unsaleable products and reduce waste. The algorithm factors include location, bonus offers, weather conditions, historical sales performance and in-store stock. The products are accompanied by electronic price tags that show two prices: the regular price and discount at a specific expiration date.

Albert Heijn strives to reduce food waste with 50% by 2030

Anti-waste company Wasteless advised Albert Heijn for the test. Reducing food waste is an important aspect of the sustainability strategy of Albert Heijn. The supermarket chain aims to eliminate at least half of the waste across the food chain by 2030. Other aspects of the sustainability goals concern development projects in Africa and setting up a closed, sustainable and transparent dairy chain with its own farmers.

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