In 2014, several factors have strengthened the transformation of the e-commerce market in Italy, thus changing the business models of many companies.

The Italian market, despite its difficulties, is now considered very promising and with great potential to grow by international observers.
This is proven by the performance of the overall revenues (+20% per year over the last few years), which are estimated to be around 14 billion euros for 2014, along with the soaring number of Italian online shoppers who have risen from 9 to 16 millions over the last two years.

We're finally witnessing a strong interest of companies that want to revitalize their business by investing in the e-commerce channel, primarily Made in Italy companies and large retailers that have recognized the great opportunities that the digital field can offer in a time when recessive factors are questioning business models and traditional sales.

Many projects are being launched in fields that had remained, up until now, undecided whether or not to interfere with the development of innovative strategies. In addition to clothing, which was definitely the driving force behind the e-commerce development over the last few years, it is worth to highlight that food and furniture are now following the same path. Those fields have understood the importance of reaching 2 billion digital citizens that seek quality products and that want to go to the source, without any intermediation activity.

Since 2013, sales abroad for Made in Italy companies have increased by 28% and reached the remarkable figure of 2 billion euros, just with the push of clothing and tourism, thanks to the worldwide visibility given by an e-commerce website.

It is expected that this figure will reach 3 billion euros with a growth of over 40% in 2014.

Despite positive facts, the delay remains and Italy is the last on all the factors that affect development in almost every chart. Companies selling online are only 4% of the total amount, therefore this is the perfect moment to invest in digital development, thus establishing themselves in this great global market.

This context provides a clear view of the business size, which becomes an enabling factor. It is necessary to take advantage of the potential that Made in Italy companies offer: they could easily find opportunities in the e-commerce market.

It is expected that sales worldwide will have reached 307 billion dollars with 130 million buyers by 2018.

Source: E-commerce Forum Netcomm, 2014