Quick Facts
- Expats moving to the Netherlands
- Online shoppers seeking fast delivery
- Sustainability-conscious consumers
- Next-day delivery is standard in the Netherlands, not a premium feature
- iDEAL bank transfers are the dominant payment method over credit cards
- Bol leads with €4.67 billion revenue and 13.8 million active customers
- Coolblue expanded into energy services including solar panels and heat pumps in 2025
For general shopping use Bol as your default, Coolblue for electronics with installation services, and Albert Heijn's delivery pass for frequent grocery orders. Expats should prepare browser translation tools as many sites default to Dutch.
The Dutch digital high street is crowded. It is no longer just about who can deliver a package; it is an infrastructure war between local giants and international challengers. For anyone living in or moving to the Netherlands, understanding this ecosystem is the difference between next day delivery satisfaction and customer service purgatory.
In late 2025, the market has consolidated. While consumers benefit from aggressive price wars between Amazon and Bol, the landscape has shifted toward speed and sustainability. This guide cuts through the noise to rank the platforms that actually deliver on their promises.
The Reality of Shopping Online in the Netherlands
If you are used to e-commerce in the US or UK, the Netherlands offers a slightly different experience. It is generally faster, but the payment methods and platform loyalty are unique.
- Logistics are World-Class: “Next day delivery” is the standard here, not a premium perk. If you order before 23:59, you typically have it the next morning.
- The iDEAL Factor: While credit cards are gaining traction, the direct bank transfer system iDEAL remains king. Most sites incentivize its use.
- The Language Barrier: While Dutch English proficiency is high, platform interfaces can still be stubborn. Many top local sites default to Dutch, making browser translation tools essential for expats.
Top 10 Dutch Online Shopping Sites Ranked
Based on the verified Twinkle100 rankings released in October 2025 and current service levels, here is where you should be spending your money.
Bol (The Market Leader)
Bol (formerly Bol.com) remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of Dutch e-commerce, generating €4.67 billion in verified revenue. However, their strategy shifted significantly in 2025. Instead of just adding more products, they focused on quality control.
As of September 2025, Bol hosts roughly 45,500 sales partnersa deliberate decrease from previous years to weed out low quality merchants. With 13.8 million active customers across the Netherlands and Belgium, it is the default choice for everything from books to air fryers. Their “Select” membership offers shipping perks similar to Prime.
Coolblue (Electronics & Energy)
If Bol is the generalist, Coolblue is the specialist. Ranking 3rd in the Netherlands with €1.54 billion in revenue, they differentiate themselves through obsession with customer satisfaction. You don’t just buy a washing machine here; you buy the installation service.
In 2025, their standout feature is actually Coolblue Energy. They have aggressively expanded into energy contracts, solar panels, and heat pumps, using their own trained installers. If you need electronics or home energy upgrades, this is the safest pair of hands in the market. Sometimes it pays to check tech prices in neighboring Germany, but for service, Coolblue wins.
Albert Heijn (Groceries)
Albert Heijn (AH) isn’t just a supermarket; it is a logistics powerhouse holding the #2 spot in Dutch e-commerce with over €2 billion in online revenue. They dominate the online grocery sector with a market share exceeding 36%.
Their strength lies in the integration of the physical and digital. The app is arguably the best in class, managing everything from personalized “Bonus” box offers to digital stamps. For expats, the delivery pass (Bezorgbundel) is a must-have, eliminating delivery fees for frequent shoppers.
Zalando (Fashion)
Zalando holds the #4 spot in the Twinkle100 rankings, generating over €1 billion in the Netherlands alone. While they sell new fashion, their “Pre owned” section has become a major draw in 2025 for sustainability conscious shoppers.
Unlike peer to-peer marketplaces where you risk buying junk, Zalando now employs a strict two step quality inspection (digital screening followed by a physical check) for pre owned items. For a full breakdown of their policies, read our deep dive guide on selling and shopping on Zalando.
Wehkamp (Lifestyle & Home)
Wehkamp is a legacy player that is currently fighting to reinvent itself. While previously a top contender, verified data from late 2025 shows they have dropped out of the top 10 revenue ranking, with sales dipping to €514 million.
Current traffic sits around 165,000 daily visitorsfar from the millions of its peak. However, they remain a viable option for interior design and fast fashion, particularly because they maintain a very loyal customer base who prefer their curated “boutique” feel over the chaos of open marketplaces.
Jumbo
Ranking #7 in the country with €724 million in online revenue, Jumbo is the primary alternative to Albert Heijn. They position themselves on price (“Euro’s cheaper”).
While their digital interface is slightly less polished than AH, their delivery network is robust. If you live in a city center, their yellow delivery vans are inescapable. They are an excellent choice if your primary goal is lowering the weekly grocery bill without stepping foot in a store.
Amazon.nl
Amazon.nl has finally found its footing. Now the 5th largest player with €1 billion in revenue, they are aggressively chasing Bol. In October 2025, they announced a massive €1.4 billion investment to expand their Dutch infrastructure and AI capabilities.
The trade-off? The interface still feels distinctly American and lacks the “local” touch of Bol. However, for pure price competitiveness on electronics and household goods, Amazon is often unbeatable. Prime delivery in the Netherlands is now nearly as fast as Bol’s Select.
About You
About You targets a younger demographic than Zalando, focusing heavily on influencer collaborations and “drops.” In 2025, they improved their logistics significantly, implementing direct from-factory shipping from European and Turkish manufacturers.
This means while some items take 2-4 days, the variety is fresh. Shipping is free on orders over €29.90, making it a low risk option for trying out new trends.
H&M
H&M remains a staple for budget basics. Their online presence in the Netherlands is robust, offering wider sizing and exclusive “online only” collections that you won’t find in their physical Kalverstraat or Lijnbaan stores.
However, be aware of their return fees, which have become standard across the fast fashion industry to discourage excessive ordering. If you prefer a more unique, sustainable shopping experience, you might prefer treasure hunting at Dutch flea markets instead.
De Bijenkorf
De Bijenkorf is the Netherlands’ answer to Selfridges or Nordstrom. It is the premier destination for luxury goods, cosmetics, and designer fashion.
A crucial update for 2025: De Bijenkorf does not offer standard same day delivery anymore. Their fastest options are now “Next Day” (for orders before 22:00) or evening delivery in specific zones for a surcharge. While the shipping speed has normalized, their packaging and return policy remain high-end.
