Shopify dominant software in new stores
In recent years, Shopify has emerged as the leading ecommerce platform for new online stores across Europe. According to a report by ShopRank, an ecommerce intelligence platform, Shopify accounted for a significant percentage of new online stores launched in various European countries in the last year. This article delves into the statistics and trends surrounding Shopify’s dominance in the ecommerce landscape.
Shopify’s Market Share in Europe
Shopify’s growth has been particularly notable in several key European markets. In the Netherlands, 54% of new online stores were created using Shopify, while France and Spain followed closely behind with 49% and 41%, respectively. This trend signifies a shift in preference among new online retailers, as they increasingly opt for Shopify over other platforms.
Comparison with Other Ecommerce Platforms
The report analyzed over 324,000 new online stores across seven major European markets: the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The findings revealed that last year, a total of 148,044 new online stores were launched on Shopify. In comparison, WooCommerce, another popular ecommerce platform, saw the creation of 99,140 new stores, while PrestaShop lagged behind with only 9,747 new shops.
Decline of PrestaShop
While PrestaShop previously held a significant market share, its popularity among new online businesses appears to be waning. In France, only 5.4% of new online stores were built on PrestaShop, with Spain and Italy recording similar declines at 6.4% and 3.9%, respectively. Despite the decrease in new stores, it is important to note that many existing businesses continue to operate on the PrestaShop platform.
WooCommerce’s Mixed Performance
WooCommerce has experienced a mixed performance across different markets. In the Netherlands, the platform saw a decrease of 8.9 percentage points in new store launches, while Italy experienced a drop of 5.3 percentage points. However, there were increases in new stores using WooCommerce in Germany (up 4.5 percentage points), Poland (up 4.2 percentage points), and the United Kingdom (up 2.2 percentage points).
Domain Name Preferences
ShopRank’s analysis also included a look at the domain names chosen by new online stores. A majority of 48.1% of new stores on Shopify opted for a .com domain, indicating a preference for global reach. In contrast, PrestaShop users favored local domains, with 61.3% of new stores using country-specific domains such as .de or .fr. This suggests that while Shopify is attracting new Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands aiming for cross-border operations, PrestaShop remains a popular choice for businesses focused on local markets.
Conclusion
Shopify’s dominance in the ecommerce sector is evident from the statistics and trends observed in new online stores across Europe. As new brands increasingly choose Shopify for their ecommerce needs, existing businesses are likely to continue utilizing platforms like WooCommerce and PrestaShop based on their specific operational requirements. This dynamic landscape highlights the evolving nature of online retail and the importance of selecting the right ecommerce platform for business success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create their own online stores. It provides a range of tools and features to help users manage their products, process payments, and handle shipping logistics.
Shopify is popular among new online stores due to its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and robust support for various payment methods. Additionally, its ability to scale with a business as it grows makes it an attractive option for new entrepreneurs.
Shopify generally offers more comprehensive features and ease of use compared to other platforms like WooCommerce and PrestaShop. While WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress and allows for greater customization, it may require more technical knowledge. PrestaShop, on the other hand, is often favored by local businesses but has seen a decline in new store launches.
Note: The ecommerce landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses should choose their platforms based on their specific needs and target markets.
