Shopify in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide

It is not an exaggeration to say that the Netherlands is a cycling paradise, since the number of bicycles exceeds its citizens. Dutch people love moving on bikes due to agility and convenience, and they carry this attitude over to other aspects of life, including how they consume. Understanding this mindset, a multitude of business owners have managed to carve out a niche and thrive in this market, both with brick-and-mortar and digital storefronts. In this blog post, we will focus on the eCommerce landscape in this nation, where Shopify takes the spotlight as a prominent host platform. If you are searching for a complete guide on Shopify in the Netherlands, this is the place to be.

Helpful Facts about eCommerce in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is becoming a hub for eCommerce hustlers who plan on entering the EU market.

For a country with 18 million people, the Netherlands stands firmly at the 7th spot among the list of most populous nations in the EU. Its citizens love shopping, hence the impressive growth of the eCommerce landscape in recent years. While sharing similar cultural virtues with the neighboring countries, the Netherlands’ eCommerce scene possesses its own traits. If you are aiming to make a mark in this nation, peep through the facts below:

• In 2023, the eCommerce market size in the Netherlands is valued at around €35 billion, making it one of the fastest-growing markets within the EU.
• It is reported that over a third of consumers in the Netherlands shopped for goods online on a weekly basis in 2023.
• More than 8 in 10 Dutch people have shopped online in the first half of 2024.
• The top categories that are purchased by Dutch consumers are fashion, electronics, food, and homeware.
• The Dutch eCommerce market’s revenue is projected to have an annual growth rate of 9.04%, reaching a market volume of $51.84 billion by 2029.

As presented, the Netherlands obtains rewarding opportunities for eCommerce merchants to settle in this country. With the help of a reliable host platform, you will be able to establish a thriving business operation in no time.

Why Should You Choose Shopify for Your Dutch Store?

Shopify has proven itself to be a go-to host platform for eCommerce sellers across the globe.

Shopify is an all-encompassing host platform that has received high praise from business owners across the globe, big and small. That said, does it jive well with stores based in the Netherlands?

We will give you a straightforward answer: it absolutely does. With the number of Dutch-born stores who are acing the game with Shopify as its backbone, it goes without saying that this platform is one of the most reputable choices for brands who seek to operate in this country. From the user-friendly interface, multifunctional features, currency and payment support, mobile optimization, local service integration, to built-in SEO and marketing tools; Shopify is the cream of the crop among various choices in the market. An ample collection of resources also paves the way for newcomers to get a feel of the industry before going all out.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Set up Your Shopify Store in the Netherlands

Step 1: Create a Shopify Account and Pick a Pricing Plan

Begin by signing up for Shopify and pick a name for your store. You will be asked to pick a pricing plan as well, which are available at $19, $49, $299, and $2300 per month (if paid yearly). Although the more expensive plans cover more exclusive features, the most affordable one is perfectly fine for novice sellers to find their footing. Once your business starts to grow, feel free to make an upgrade.

Tip: Pick an easy-to-remember name that rolls off the tongue for both local and international consumers. Avoid choosing the same name as existing businesses in the Netherlands to establish a successful brand identity.

More information on Shopify plans here: Shopify Pricing.

Step 2: Configure Your Store’s Settings

Below are the must-have steps to equip your store before launching:

• Select a theme from the Shopify Themes Store or other theme providers. For more advanced and personalized features, opt for a page builder like GemPages.
• Set up Dutch and English as your primary languages, with Euro (EUR) as the default currency. Depending on your business’ goals, other languages and currencies can be added. Make sure to design user-friendly language/currency switchers for a frictionless shopping experience.
• Upload your products and set up pricing in your personal dashboard. Go to Shopify Admin > Products > Add product and enter all the required information such as titles, descriptions, images, and prices.

Step 3: Set up Shipping and Payment Systems

A solid shipping system is the key to a long-lasting business, especially in a new market. For the Netherlands, some notable shipping carriers are PostNL, UPS, DHL, and DPD. Before committing to a service, make sure to evaluate their systems. Factors to look for are express shipping, same-day shipping, and the rates. Knowing what to expect will avoid mishaps for both you and your customers. A comprehensive web page on shipping and delivery information is a must if you want to promote brand transparency and a positive user experience.

For payment options, Shopify has got you covered with multiple payment gateways, namely Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, and UnionPay, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. Thus, a payment system that works for your Dutch audience can be set up in minutes.

For more information about payment in the Netherlands, click here:  Shopify Payments for the Netherlands.

Step 4: Add Localization Options

Apart from language and currency support, you are tasked with localizing your Shopify store for Dutch consumers as well. This includes all the legal requirements that comply with the local laws, as well as research the citizens’ shopping behavior to stay on top of their product preferences, unique cultural nuances, correct terminologies, and social values. The more well-versed you are, the better your brand is perceived in this market.

Step 5: Launch and Promote Your Store

Utilize email marketing, SEO, targeted ads, content marketing, social media, brand/influencer collaborations, and similar tactics to boost engagement pre- and post-launch. As the Dutch possess an excellent command of English, these strategies can be in both languages.

Tip: Pay attention to Dutch holidays to craft tailored marketing campaigns and offer discounts.

Success Stories: Our Top Picks for the Most Inspiring Shopify Brands in the Netherlands

This list contains Dutch stores that have received high regard worldwide, as well as brands that rose to fame in the local scene. No matter what your objective is, you are bound to get inspired by these success stories.

Tony's Chocolonely

Tony’s Chocolonely has become a staple among Dutch chocolate brands due to its unique ethos and distinct packaging.

At first glance, Tony’s Chocolonely strikes you as a loud and out business, which can be seen through their dynamic product packaging. Its Shopify-powered store was designed to capture this spirit perfectly, from the lively color scheme to bold, in-your-face taglines. Quirky, interactive tidbits throughout the site keep buyers engaged and ensure a memorable shopping experience. Tony’s Chocolonely has ticked all the boxes of how a food brand’s website should look.

That said, the company’s reputation is built by its unique ethos: only producing chocolate that is fair-trade and slave-free. The brand’s mission to revolutionize the cocoa industry is the key behind its success not only in the Netherlands but also worldwide.

Daily Paper

Stay ahead of the latest trends with Daily Paper - a Dutch fashion brand that has called Shopify its home.

This Amsterdam-based store is a gem for fashion enthusiasts, as one can find the swankiest pieces of clothing on their digital storefront. By blending classic streetwears with bold designs and premium quality, Daily Paper is crowned as one of the most popular Dutch brands on Shopify. Its website boasts a dark palette, contrasting colors, simplified navigation, stunning visuals, and storytelling. By leveraging what Shopify has to offer, Daily Paper has achieved major success after 12 years in the game. If you want to emulate its prosperity, follow the link above to come take a look.

Anna + Nina

Pick and choose what you or your home need from an extensive collection on Anna + Nina’s storefront.

When the topic is about lifestyle brands, Anna + Nina takes the cake as one of the best. This Dutch store has been in the biz for 12 years, where it started out as a jewelry brand but quickly evolved into a fashion, accessories, and home decor brand. Its wide array of artistic items and whimsical designs can be found on Anna + Nina’s Shopify storefront, where everything is proudly displayed on a neat layout. The main menu makes it easy for shoppers to navigate, while features like curated gift guides and styling tips take one’s shopping experience to the next level.

Breck’s

Breck’s aims to offer the Netherlands’ most iconic flowers and plants to international shoppers.

The Netherlands is famous for its breathtaking fauna landscape, where colorful flowers and plants can be found in every corner. Aware of this, Breck’s was born to bring the most glorious Dutch flowers to international shoppers, all made possible via its intuitive Shopify store. The website embraces a soothing color combo, where green and white are the most prominent. With an intensive product catalog, Breck’s also excels in organizing them neatly with the use of product categorization and finder. Whether you come to their store with a specific flower type in mind or just want to take a peep, you will likely end up placing an order.

If this is your niche, check out Breck’s’ in-depth resources about gardening for more knowledge to start your own empire.

Neofollics

Neofollics stands out as a haircare brand that offers long-lasting solutions for all your hair problems.

Hair loss is a universal problem, and Neofollics is here to offer the ultimate solution. This Dutch brand is a pioneer in crafting the most efficient scientifically formulated hair products, all can be explored on its professional Shopify store. The website embodies a light and airy look, where information on different types of products are neatly tucked away in the drop-down menus. Buyers are guaranteed to find the best match for their problems, while learning about them through detailed product description, ingredient list, and customer reviews. Neofollics’ website is solid proof why it has gained immense popularity among Dutch consumers.

Conquer the Dutch Market with Shopify Now

The surge of online shopping forced business owners to quickly adapt to maintain an edge over the competitors, especially in saturated niches like fashion or FnB. Among all the European nations, the Netherlands is a solid market for eCommerce sellers to capitalize on, and platforms like Shopify are always at your disposal to help you ace your business venture. Take our advice and study the thriving brands in this blog post to ease your doubts about this bustling market; your own success story is right around the corner.

FAQ about Shopify in The Netherlands