In the first half of 2023, small and medium-sized enterprises in Russia saw a remarkable rise in online commerce turnover, growing by 63 percent versus the same period a year earlier. This finding comes from a compilation reported by News, referencing research conducted by Tochka Bank, the Calltouch marketing platform, and the recruitment firm HH.ru.
The study highlights that the surge in online shopping is largely driven by the rapid expansion of marketplaces and their increasing appeal to shoppers. Russia led the world in the rate of growth for visitors to online platforms, marking a 20 percent rise from 2021. Last year, e-commerce accounted for more than a quarter of all non-food sales, and marketplaces hosted roughly three out of every four orders, underscoring the sector’s dominant role in consumer purchasing.
Industry observers note that Russian online stores and regional brands are actively expanding their footprint, facilitating the quick relocation of foreign companies exiting the market. The growth of pickup points is also accelerating, making shopping on marketplaces more convenient for inhabitants across the country.
Vasily Bumagin, founder of the Market Papa service, commented that companies are currently investing heavily to open new buying points, a trend that is likely to persist and shape the marketplace landscape for years to come.
Analysts project that by the end of 2023, online sales in Russia could reach 7.4 trillion rubles. Among the most popular categories on marketplaces are clothing, sports equipment, and children’s products. An increasing number of buyers are also showing willingness to purchase jewelry, home appliances, and even groceries online, signaling a broadening scope for e-commerce in the country.
Additionally, the shift toward automated payments is becoming more common, with broader adoption of digital settlement methods that streamline checkout experiences for shoppers, further boosting online purchasing activity.