French and German consumers are still buying from Brexit Britain says eShopWorld

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Feb 17, 2021

There may have been lots of news stories about interruptions to trade because of Brexit, but it seems that consumers in key European markets are still buying from Britain, data from eShopWorld (ESW) shows.

The company spoke to more than 4,000 shoppers in Germany and France and found that 42% of the French and 41% of the German respondents would still buy from a UK-based company if the product they wanted was only available from that business. That's despite any extra complications that may arise post-Brexit.

Meanwhile, 36% of the French shoppers and 37% of those in Germany said they would continue with a brand from which they already shop, despite any disruption.

ESW said that these attitudes highlight how much shoppers are prepared to put up with and positively reinforce the desirability of UK brands and products in the face of extra costs and delivery delays. 

Research also showed that 26% of German shoppers have bought from a UK-based website in the last 12 months with Britain actually being the first third most popular market for cross-border purchases behind China and the US.

Meanwhile 24% of French consumers bought from a UK website and Britain is the fourth most popular market for them after China, the US and Germany.

And these consumers seem to be resigned to the fact that they may have to pay more for the goods they want now as 64% believe Brexit will increase the price of ordering from the UK.

But while more than half expect delays to their orders because of Brexit, both French and German consumers are particularly concerned about their ability to return products within the time they were allowed because of delivery and returns delays.