Zeeman expands online presence in Europe

Dutch discount retailer Zeeman is expanding its online presence in Europe. The retail chain currently has an online store in the Netherlands and Belgium. However, the retailers will now also launch an e-commerce website in France and in a yet unknown market.

Zeeman is a Dutch discount chain with stores in the Benelux, Germany, France, Austria, and Spain. In 2012, the company launched its very first online store, in the Netherlands. Four years later, Belgium became the second market where Zeeman has an e-commerce website available.

Launching in two new markets

Next year, Zeeman will launch its online shop in two new markets. In France, but also in a market that is still unknown to us. It is for sure that it will be in a country where Zeeman currently does not have any physical stores available.

A period of exponential growth

The expansion of its e-commerce business in Europe comes after a period of exponential growth, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “It caused a fast learning curve, which means that we are now further than where we normally would have been. In the end, it turned out well. I expect that we will be able to run a profitable operation sometime next year," says Erik-Jan Mares, CEO of Zeeman.

Conquering Europe

Earlier this year, Zeeman switched to Belgian fulfillment company Katoen Natie for its e-commerce operation. “They are a very professional partner, we are very happy with the switch. We also hope to conquer Europe with them.”