INGENICO GROUP: New research reveals mobile has become essential for Belgium merchants this Black Friday
Press Release
Belgium, November 27th, 2019New research reveals mobile has become essential for Belgium merchants this Black FridayAn eCommerce report sponsored by Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 – ING), the global leader in seamless payment, has uncovered opportunities in Belgium for growing online merchants – especially those taking advantage of the rising mCommerce trend. Combined with Ingenico’s 2018 Black Friday insights, the research reveals how Belgian consumers will shop this Black Friday.The survey conducted by Belgian eCommerce association, SafeShops, analysed the shopping preferences of Belgians from different regions, age groups and genders. According to the report, both eCommerce and mCommerce are still on the rise, revealing new opportunities for online retailers to tap into the increasing pool of mobile consumers.The survey also highlighted an opportunity for smaller marketplaces, with most Belgians (63 per cent) preferring to shop with smaller, more local marketplaces such as TWEEDEHANDS.BE. Larger international marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon and AliExpress were found to be less popular in the region.Over the year the number of Belgians that buy online on a weekly basis has increased from 14 per cent to 20 per cent. While one in three Belgians (32 per cent) says they will shop online more frequently in the future. Ingenico’s 2018 Black Friday study also reflected this growth in online shopping in the region, with almost half (45 per cent) of Belgians opting to go digital for the peak sales shopping season.The number of Belgians using their smartphone to shop online has also risen by 26 per cent since 2017, and tablet use has increased from 14 per cent to 21 per cent over the past year alone. Over a third (37 per cent) of Belgians also prefer to use apps rather than websites.Ray Bak, Sales Director, UK, Belgium and Netherlands, Ingenico, commented: “It is becoming more common for Belgians to shop by mobile, tablet and app across online sales all year round. It is now clear that any merchants who do not integrate the mobile channel are going to lose business in Belgium – equating to huge potential losses during the busiest sales days of the year.