Located in Western Europe, the Netherlands is one of the continent’s most optimistic e-commerce markets, with excellent consumer confidence and an improving economy. E-commerce Europe’s latest report, sponsored by Asendia, focuses on this exciting, yet often overlooked, market, offering key facts and advice on its current and future online retail situation.

The Netherlands’ population is relatively young with a median age of 42.3 years, while 69% of citizens are under the age of 54. This is reflected in the country’s enthusiasm for e-commerce and the Internet as a whole: 98% of Dutch adults use the Internet and an impressive 93% shop online. Also, smartphone usage is growing steadily across the country - 76% of adults (classed as 15 or over for the report) now own a smartphone, suggesting that m-commerce is a trend to look out for in the Netherlands.

The report also features market insight from Berry de Vaal, Asendia’s Manager Marketing & Sales Benelux, who reveals the latest logistical and e-commerce developments in the Netherlands. These developments include Facebook, the country’s excellent infrastructure, and the enthusiasm for free returns and shipping.

Tips for online merchants also feature in the report, including:

• Applying for the ‘Thuiswinkel Waarborg’ trustmark
• Offering iDEAL as a payment option
• Providing hassle-free returns procedures

With B2C e-commerce sales expected to reach €18bn this year and 23% of Dutch e-shoppers buying across borders, it has never been a better time to explore this interesting market.

The Netherlands B2C E-commerce Report 2016 is an ideal starting point to getting to know this market; download the free light report here.