Online Shopping Market in Lebanon: Growing eCommerce Industry

The Online shopping Market in Lebanon is booming. While I have compared AliExpress & Lebanese online shopping websites years ago. Back then, most Lebanese have never heard of the Chinese online shopping website. Today, everyone is shipping products from AliExpress to Lebanon.

In 2014, the number of products shipped from AliExpress reached 20K orders a month (according to one of the logistics companies in Lebanon). Prices were cheap, you could literally find any product you’d need (even ask for a customized one) and Liban Post was delivering packages to a users address without charging any fee.

Although, tax rules were applied on packages and parcels arriving from AliExpress, it was still the cheapest shopping website available. Back then, no local online shopping website was selling similar products with acceptable prices, shipping terms or secure payment methods.

I’m a big fan of AliExpress (a diamond member with 993 orders) and although some stores in Lebanon, are still shopping from AliExpress and selling the products in Lebanon for premium prices (double/triple). Lebanese now are aware of the opportunities available online and are going to local eCommerce websites & businesses on social media for their purchases.

The number of cards issued for online usage by Lebanese banks in the past couple years has increased a lot. I’ve been using BankMed’s Cards for all my online transactions especially when I’m not sure about a Website’s trustworthiness.

The online shopping market in Lebanon continues to mature. Today Lebanese are accustomed to the “online shopping experience”. The total number of eCommerce websites in Lebanon has grown significantly similar to Ishtari, and HiCart ….and daily deals websites that were booming years ago like makhsoom is shifting to selling products online while others like scoop city has closed.

However, the online shopping market in Lebanon is no longer restricted to eCommerce websites. Even individuals are selling products online through Instagram & Facebook especially when it comes to the fashion industry from shoes, clothes, handmade crafts, accessories…

The social networks are providing exposure to any target market, cheap advertising cost, easy customer engagement tools. Logistics services in Lebanon have grown as well to meet the demand of speedy cheap delivery with an average of 5$ around Lebanon, and cash-on-delivery is the payment method that can launch your business almost immediately.

The rise and rise of online shopping market in Lebanon will open doors to new business opportunities across different industries. The fashion industry has shown continued increase in its online sales driven by overall growth in the online fashion market and other markets will gradually move its focus online.

According to mastercard, more than half of online shoppers in Lebanon use the internet to buy airline tickets, book hotels, shop for clothes, and more.

PS Be aware of your privacy and security when shopping online.