Online retail sales in France could reach €109.6 billion in 2020, a rise of 6% year-on-year as the COVID-19 pandemic boosted remote shopping, the country's e-commerce federation, Fevad, said.
This would however be a slowdown from 11% growth achieved in 2019, as curbs on travel worldwide hit online demand for travel, leisure and hospitality services, notably during France's first lockdown in the spring.
Online retail sales in France rose 5% year-on-year to €77.9 billion in the first nine months of the year, Fevad said, predicting a year-on-year increase of 8.5% in the last quarter of 2020, which includes the crucial Christmas season.
'Online Products Growth'
'While online products growth will be stronger than in the previous quarters, it will not be sufficient to offset the decline in services,' the statement said.
France imposed a strict lockdown in March at the height of the coronavirus crisis. That lockdown was eased in May.
The country entered a second lockdown on 30 October, which was to last at least four weeks. Stores were allowed to re-open on 28 November ahead of Christmas but restaurants and bars are still closed, while travel is also limited.
