The 10 most popular e-commerce stores in Europe

Mark Joon

Mark Joon

International Growth Manager

reading time: 5 minutes

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When thinking about the top ecommerce sites in Europe and online shopping in general, it is easy to assume that the biggest ecommerce platforms in Europe are those that have swept over the rest of the world. We are of course referring to the online giants that are Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress.

However, the truth is that this continent has an astounding degree of turnover simply from within its borderlines. You would be surprised to learn that many of the top ecommerce sites in Europe are born and bred within the continent.

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Ecommerce behavior in Europe

Ecommerce in Europe is no longer a post-pandemic growth story. It has become part of everyday consumer behaviour. According to Eurostat, 78% of EU internet users bought or ordered goods or services online in 2025, up from 62% in 2015.

Adoption remains especially strong in Northern and Western Europe, with mature markets such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark showing some of the highest levels of online shopping activity. For ecommerce platforms in Europe, the opportunity is clear: the market is large and mature, but still highly local. Consumer habits, delivery expectations and platform preferences can differ strongly from one country to the next.

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Top ecommerce sites in Europe

Europe’s ecommerce landscape is no longer dominated by traditional retailers alone. Marketplaces, fashion platforms, grocery retailers and direct-to-consumer brands now compete for the same online shopper, each with a very different role in the customer journey.

Amazon

Amazon remains one of the most dominant ecommerce platforms in Europe. Its strength is not just its product range, but the full ecosystem around it: marketplace sellers, Prime, logistics, reviews and fast delivery. In major markets such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium, Amazon continues to be one of the first places consumers go when they want choice, speed and convenience.

Temu

Temu has quickly become one of the most talked-about ecommerce platforms in Europe. Its rise shows how strongly price, gamified shopping and endless product discovery still influence consumer behaviour. At the same time, its growth has also increased the discussion around product quality, regulation and fair competition in European ecommerce.

eBay

eBay remains a major ecommerce player in Europe, especially for refurbished, second-hand, collectible and hard-to-find products. While it may not always dominate the conversation like Amazon or Temu, it still plays an important role in categories where trust, availability and price comparison matter.

AliExpress

AliExpress continues to be a strong cross-border platform for European shoppers looking for low-cost products directly from international sellers. Its position is being challenged by newer players such as Temu and Shein, but it remains one of the most recognisable ecommerce names in Europe.

Zalando

Zalando is one of Europe’s strongest fashion and lifestyle platforms. Its strength lies in brand selection, customer experience, returns, personalisation and its marketplace model. For fashion brands that want to grow across Europe, Zalando is often one of the key platforms to consider.

Shein

Shein has become one of the most influential fashion ecommerce platforms in Europe. Its success comes from speed, trend-led collections, social media visibility and low pricing. It has changed consumer expectations in fast fashion, especially among younger shoppers, while also attracting scrutiny around sustainability and regulation.

Otto

Otto remains one of Germany’s most important ecommerce players. It has evolved from a catalogue retailer into a major online marketplace, with a strong position in fashion, home, furniture, electronics and lifestyle. For brands targeting German consumers, Otto is still highly relevant.

Allegro

Allegro is one of the most important ecommerce platforms in Central and Eastern Europe. It is especially strong in Poland, where it has built a powerful local position through trust, logistics and broad product availability. For brands looking beyond Western Europe, Allegro is difficult to ignore.

Bol.com

Bol.com is the leading online marketplace in the Netherlands and Belgium. Its local strength comes from consumer trust, fast delivery, a broad seller base and strong category coverage. For ecommerce brands entering the Benelux market, bol.com is often just as important as Amazon, and sometimes more relevant.

Decathlon

Decathlon is one of Europe’s strongest sports and outdoor retailers, with a growing ecommerce and marketplace presence. Its position is built on category authority, private-label strength and a clear value proposition for active consumers. In sports retail, few European brands combine online scale and physical presence as effectively.

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Looking to market your business in Europe?

The European market sure is competitive. But with great challenges come great opportunities, right? Whello is known for helping fast-growing brands make a splash in Europe.

With all the digital marketing expertise your business needs under one roof, we might just be the partner you’ve been looking for to bring your brand over.

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About Mark Joon

International Growth Manager

Mark brings structure to chaos and makes complex challenges manageable. With over seven years of experience, he connects strategy with collaboration and helps teams move forward. Clients value his calm, sharp perspective and his ability to turn opportunities into results.

Read more about Mark

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