E-commerce Barometer: August 2025 – Back-to-school boosts online sales

What?

The Base Index report for August 2025 shows dynamic growth in Polish e-commerce, driven by the "back-to-school" season. Sales increased by almost 10% compared to August 2024 and the significant expansion of international sales are key indicators of the market's stable development.

Why?

This data is important because it indicates the growing popularity of online shopping, especially during the run-up to the new school year. Seasonal sales increases are natural, but such strong growth indicates a lasting shift in shopping habits in Poland. The increased number of international transactions demonstrates the growing importance of the Polish market in international markets.

For whom?

The report is particularly relevant for online store owners, e-commerce managers, marketers, and online retail analysts. It provides valuable information on current online sales trends, allowing them to better adapt their marketing and sales strategies to changing market needs.

Background to the topic

Back-to-school season is one of the most important times of the year for consumers to make education-related purchases. E-commerce in Poland is growing year over year, with more and more consumers choosing to shop online, especially in categories like schoolwear, office supplies, electronics, and toys. International sales are also becoming a key element in the development of the Polish e-commerce market, and data for August 2025 shows that Polish sellers are increasingly effective in reaching international customers.

Sales increase compared to last year

August 2025 saw a 9.8% compared to August 2024. This demonstrates the strong growth of Poland's e-commerce sector, which is becoming more resilient to seasonal fluctuations year on year. It's also worth noting that the number of orders increased by 7.6% , and the average basket value increased by 2.1% , demonstrating that consumers are still willing to spend more on online purchases, especially before the start of the school year.

Growth drivers

The main factors contributing to the increase in sales in August were the high demand for seasonal products such as backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and electronics. Furthermore, the convenience of online shopping and the development of mobile apps make Poles more willing to shop online. An increase in international orders also contributed to the overall market growth.

Month-on-month growth dynamics

Comparing August data to July 2025, the Base Index increased by 1.2% , a clear sign of stability in the e-commerce market in Poland. The 3.6% shows that consumers made more frequent, yet smaller, purchases during the "back-to-school" period, typical of this season. Despite a 2.2% , this result is not alarming, as it is consistent with typical consumer habits, such as more frequent purchases of smaller items.

What does a decrease in the average basket value mean?

The decline in average basket value is a natural consequence of seasonal shopping, particularly for school supplies and clothing. While individual purchases may be lower in value, the increased number of transactions contributes to an increase in overall sales, which is a positive sign for the sector.

Export – the growing role of foreign sales

In August 2025, international sales, or cross-border transactions, saw a 15.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 18.65% of total sales of Polish online stores came from abroad. This demonstrates that Polish e-commerce is becoming increasingly competitive in international markets, leading to further growth and expansion of sales.

What factors influence the success of Polish stores abroad?

Polish sellers are effectively utilizing the development of international logistics, better payment mechanisms and appropriate personalization of offers, which means that more and more foreign consumers choose to shop in Polish online stores.

The fastest growing product categories

August 2025 was a strong month for categories related to school preparations. Products like backpacks , notebooks , clothing , and electronics accounted for a significant portion of sales. This is typical of the August shopping boom as families prepare for the new challenges of education.

The dominance of children's categories

The seasonal nature of shopping makes baby-related items most desirable during this time. Sales of backpacks, school clothes, and even electronics for children increased in August, demonstrating that consumers are increasingly choosing to shop online.

Forecasts for the coming months

Looking at August data, Polish e-commerce has promising prospects. Sales will continue to grow during the back-to-school and holiday , particularly in electronics, clothing, and school supplies. The growing interest in international sales and technological innovations in the industry can only contribute to further market growth.

What awaits Polish e-commerce?

It is expected that in the coming months, due to the growing number of international transactions and further development of the seasonal product category, the e-commerce market in Poland will continue its growth dynamics

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