Kaufland, a major European retailer, has announced its plan to extend its online marketplace to France and Italy by the end of this summer. This move signifies a significant step in the company’s ongoing strategy to establish itself as a prominent player in the European e-commerce landscape.

Gerald Schönbucher, CEO of Kaufland e-commerce, articulated the company’s vision, stating, “We are positioning ourselves as a viable alternative to the large, global e-commerce platforms, with a focus on serving the European market. Our expansion into France and Italy represents the next phase in our growth, and we anticipate further developments in the future.”

This expansion will bring Kaufland’s marketplace presence to seven European countries, building upon its existing operations. The company is leveraging its “all-in-one solution, Kaufland Global Marketplace,” to facilitate this international growth. This system aims to simplify the process for sellers to reach customers across multiple European markets through a single, integrated platform.

The core idea behind Kaufland’s expansion is to provide European consumers and businesses with a more localized and accessible online shopping experience. By focusing on European sellers and products, Kaufland intends to create a marketplace that resonates with the unique preferences and needs of European customers. This strategy contrasts with the approach of global e-commerce giants, which often prioritize a more standardized, international offering.

For sellers, this expansion means access to a larger customer base, potentially increasing sales and brand visibility. The “all-in-one solution” simplifies the complexities of cross-border trade, handling aspects like language translation, payment processing, and logistics. This allows businesses to focus on their core operations while expanding their market reach.

Consumers in France and Italy can expect to find a diverse range of products from European sellers, potentially including items that are not readily available on other platforms. Kaufland’s emphasis on a localized approach may also lead to a more personalized shopping experience, with products and promotions tailored to the specific preferences of each market.

The move also reflects Kaufland’s commitment to supporting European businesses. By providing a platform for smaller and medium-sized enterprises to reach a wider audience, Kaufland is contributing to the growth of the European economy.

The company’s approach emphasizes a practical, step-by-step expansion, focusing on building a sustainable and reliable marketplace. This strategy avoids the rapid, sometimes unsustainable growth models seen in other areas of e-commerce.