Online store expansion to France

France has built a name for itself, one which resonates in Europe and around the world. Its location within Europe is almost ideal, as it borders large countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy. It is the seventh largest e‑commerce market in the world. For online stores, France is another ideal destination for foreign expansion.

WHY EXPAND INTO FRANCE?

In recent years, the French e‑commerce market has been growing at a double‑digit rate, like in other Western European countries. It grew by 15% in 2021 and further growth is expected in the coming years. To the people of France, it is necessary to add millions of people from French‑speaking Africa, who create additional potential for shopping in the French online market. Another positive indicator is the market saturation rate of 79%. In other words, almost four‑fifths of French people shopped online at least once in 2021.

Other indisputable advantages include the geographical position of France in Europe. Transport costs correspond to this, with most large logistics companies driving to France on a daily basis. The well‑developed logistics network in France also creates ideal conditions for the easy and fast delivery of consignments. In France itself, La Poste is the most active delivery company.

And once you have a website and online shop localized in French, the way opens up for expansion to the French cantons in Switzerland, French‑speaking Belgium or even across the ocean to French‑speaking Canada.

WHAT FACTORS SHOULD YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN EXPANDING INTO FRANCE?

First and foremost, it is important not to forget the strength of patriotism of the French. The French clearly prefer online stores in French when shopping online. High‑quality SEO translation and localization by a native French speaker are therefore clearly a must.

The French, like the Germans, Italians or Spaniards, have a liking for good quality user reviews and recommendations. It is therefore essential to collect these right from the launch of the French online shop and to use them effectively in communications with customers.

Among the possible payment methods in France, bank card payments are the most popular. This method is used by up to 80% of online shoppers. Other payment methods include payment via internet banking, consumer credit and bank transfer. Other payment methods are negligible in France. Also of importance is the fact that almost half of French people shop online via their mobile phones.

As in other major Western European countries, Amazon is the most popular online shop in France. Other major online sellers include Cdiscount, Vente‑Privee, Auchan and Fnac. When expanding an online store to France, it is necessary to focus on using perfect French, whether in the translation and localization of the website, including product descriptions, or in customer support. The French expect to be able to call a local French telephone number and communicate in French with a native French speaker.

Our foreign market research service can find out and prepare information tailored to your needs with regards to what to look out for when expanding your online shop to France.

67,4 mil.

population

euro

currency

15%

year‑on‑year growth of e‑commerce

79%

number of online shoppers

ca 210 000

number of online shops

93%

percentage of internet users among the population

320

population per online shop

130 bn. €

e‑commerce volume

SERVICES FOR YOUR EXPANSION TO FRANCE

Customer support in foreign laguages

Looking to ensure the success of your online store abroad? Then excellent customer support in the local language is an absolute must. Having the option to call a local phone number or write a query in the local language substantially increases the credibility of an online store in the eyes of customers. Professional customer support provided by NK Expand is intended for online shops expanding abroad.

Keyword analysis in a foreign language

Keyword analysis is the basis for any successful online shop expansion abroad. An in‑depth analysis provides important information on how foreign customers search for your products and services on the internet. This helps to precisely identify which foreign language keywords to target and what improvements are required.

SEO translation and localization of website and online store

The expansion of an online store abroad usually entails considerable costs. A substantial part of these costs relate to SEO translation and website localization in order to make sure that visitors to the website in the given country feel that it reads naturally in their own language. Of equal importance is how easily the website can be found on the internet ‑ so that potential customers can visit the online shop and make their purchases.

Online marketing for expansion abroad

Online marketing for foreign expansion that works! To support your online shop expansion abroad, we provide the following services ‑ SEO optimization, PPC advertising, direct e‑mailing and social media communications. By using the correct tone for communications, appropriate keywords in a foreign language and originally written SEO texts, visitors of your online store will quickly turn into customers.

Foreign market research

Are you serious about expanding your online shop abroad? Then we will agree that good preparation and market research are the basis for success. Without a clear idea about market potential or proven interest from target groups, investment in expansion is a non‑starter. Our specialists can prepare complete source materials, provide recommendations and help to properly prepare your online store for expansion abroad.

Legal and administrative assistance abroad

Do you run an online shop and plan to expand abroad? In this case, it is desirable to offer customers the option to pay into a local bank account in the local currency and to ensure that the business terms and conditions are in accordance with the laws of the country. It is very likely that the establishment of a collection point or a local branch will have to follow in time. We are available to help with all of these matters.

Content creation in foreign languages

NK Expand can help you create high‑quality content in foreign languages that will be useful and/or entertaining for your customers, which they will then be happy to share with others. Our native foreign language speakers and copywriters can create high‑quality content that respects the local culture and target group and will convert new visitors into customers. You can easily improve your business results with this form of casual marketing.

Business development for online shop expansion abroad

Are you expanding to a new market abroad with your online store and would you like to improve your business results? Then try our business development service for online shop expansion abroad. We will find B2B contacts for you, which you can use as the basis for the foreign distribution network of your online shop.

SUMMARY

France represents a huge e‑commerce market. The French like to shop online and don’t always look for the lowest price. However, they expect perfect customer service, which includes, in particular, reliable payment methods, free delivery or an easy returns process.

If you have excellent customer service provided by native French speakers, positive references, and can process orders and deliver goods quickly, you have a great chance of succeeding in France.

With a well‑translated online shop and active customer service in French, you can also expand to other destinations ‑ Switzerland, Belgium or Canada.

At NK Expand, we can help you with everything you need for your expansion to France. Since 2021, we have been helping, for example, a large Czech online store that sells compact spare tyres for cars to expand to France. Today, thanks to our customer support and SEO translations, the company is also successfully selling in Italy and Spain. Contact us and let our specialists help you expand your online shop to France, too.

Online store expansion to France

The Gallic rooster awaits!