Determinants of maintaining the development of an small online store in the conditions of economic slowdown in Poland

Abstract

Since its inception, the sector of companies selling on the Internet in Poland has been undergoing a process of continuous growth. Even the crisis of 2008 - 2009 did not negatively affect the development of e-commerce in Poland. However, due to the stage of development of the sector, as well as the current macroeconomic conditions, the question of maintaining the development trend under the conditions of economic slowdown arises. The aim of the article is to identify and assess factors that may support its further development (or at least the maintenance of its position) at the level of an online shop operating in Poland under the conditions of the economic downturn. The results of the analysis indicate that standard actions taken in favorable market conditions must be modified during a slowdown. Those activities that allow reducing costs and/or reaching a wider audience with an offer (e.g. performance marketing) need to be strengthened.