After years of market turbulence, the European consumer industry has achieved stability in 2023 and 2024. Yet, growth persists in the online electronics sector, driven largely by refurbished products. Experts estimate that the European e-commerce market for consumer electronics will reach € 90 billion in 2024, according to CB Commerce. By 2025, this category is forecasted to grow by 19%, with online sales comprising over 50% of total turnover.
The rise of marketplaces
Marketplaces remain pivotal, accounting for approximately half of online consumer electronics sales. Amazon dominates this space, holding 20% of the market in Europe. Other prominent players include eBay and OLX in Central Eastern Europe, while Temu has rapidly become the go-to platform for budget-friendly electronics across the continent.
Regional leaders also play significant roles
Germany’s Media Markt and Saturn challenge Amazon with competitive pricing and click-and-collect services, while France’s Fnac and the Nordics’ Elkjop Group (operating platforms like ElGiganten and Gigantii) maintain strong market shares. Switzerland’s Digitec and Dutch bol. remain a leading platform domestically.
Refurbished and used drives marketplace innovation
The refurbished electronics market has emerged as a major growth area, accounting for much of the category’s online expansion. Specialized marketplaces like Back Market, operating in 16 countries, and Austria-based Refurbed lead this segment. Retailers such as Media Markt and even fashion marketplace Vinted have ventured into refurbished electronics, underlining its importance.
Room for growth
Despite high e-commerce maturity, the consumer electronics category still holds potential for innovation. Refurbished products, in particular, are reshaping marketplace dynamics, suggesting significant shifts in the landscape over the coming years.
Source: Marketplace-universe.com
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
