Romanian eCommerce Sector Prospects in 2024 - Anticipated Stable Growth Above 8% and Imperative Strategic Adjustments
In the dynamic world of eCommerce, Romania's market has shown an impressive growth trajectory in 2024. According to Arthur Rădulescu, CEO of MerchantPro, a project by ShopMania Net, the Romanian eCommerce market experienced an over 8% increase in order value compared to the previous year.
The Beauty segment led the charge, recording a 12.87% increase in sales, albeit with a slower growth in the number of orders. Conversely, the Fashion and Home & Deco sectors experienced a 6.7% and 9.39% decline, respectively, in order value. However, the Groceries segment maintained a positive trend, with a 25% increase in sales value. The Electronics segment showed a 2.58% increase in order value but a 4.66% decrease in transaction volume. The Sporting Goods category bucked the trend, witnessing a 16% growth.
The Auto & Moto category was the most dynamic sector, with a 50%+ increase in order value and a 90% surge in transaction volume. Across sectors, the eCommerce market showed uneven dynamics, requiring tailored strategies for each market segment.
Arthur Rădulescu emphasizes the need for flexible strategies, personalization, omnichannel expansion, cross-border growth, adaptability, and investment in technology for sustainable growth. He underscores that international competition is putting pressure on merchants, and differentiation is key for long-term success.
The number of orders grew by 3% in 2024. The average cart value increased by 5.15%, indicating a rising trend in purchase value per transaction. April 2024 recorded the strongest growth, with a 28% increase in order value compared to April 2023. Q2 was the best performing quarter of 2024, with a 12%+ increase in order value, followed by the third quarter with an 11% increase. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw more modest growth, with less than 5% increase in revenues and a stagnation in the number of transactions.
Looking ahead, Arthur Rădulescu emphasizes that retailers who invest in AI-driven hyper-personalization and robust digital solutions will be better positioned to succeed and grow sustainably in Romania’s evolving eCommerce market. This includes the use of machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and computer vision to deliver personalized product recommendations that enhance sales and conversion rates, improve customer loyalty and satisfaction, optimize inventory management, and reduce operational costs.
Furthermore, the broader market context highlights the importance of embracing new technologies like artificial intelligence to speed up order fulfillment and adopting flexible payment options, along with marketplace strategies and logistics optimization, as critical growth factors in 2025. Automation and AI will continue to redefine eCommerce, optimizing operations and minimizing errors.
In conclusion, Romania's eCommerce market is evolving at a rapid pace, and retailers who adapt and innovate will thrive in this competitive landscape. With over 20 years of experience and over 2,000 active stores in Romania and a continuously growing number in Western and Southeastern Europe, MerchantPro is at the forefront of this transformation, empowering eCommerce entrepreneurs to navigate this ever-changing market.
In the fast-paced eCommerce market of Romania, the finance sector will be crucial for retailers seeking sustainable growth. As highlighted by Arthur Rădulescu, the need for investment in technology for AI-driven hyper-personalization and robust digital solutions is key.
In 2025, the adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence will not only optimize operations but also speed up order fulfillment, thus making them essential for retailers aiming to succeed in the evolving eCommerce landscape of Romania.
