Romanians shop online for gadgets and toys instead of traditional new clothes for Easter

This Easter, the online shopping basket looks different as consumer preferences continue to shift towards digital and practical products. Gadgets, small appliances and tech-related gifts such as toys are now among the most popular online purchases for the holiday season, chosen by nearly 4 in 10 Romanians, according to a national survey conducted by Cargus, one of the largest courier companies in Romania, based on responses from over 1,000 urban residents.

Interest is even higher among younger consumers, with more than 41 percent of Gen Z and Millennials prioritising this type of product. During this busy period, Cargus recorded an average weekly delivery volume 5 percent higher than during a normal season. More than 2,100 couriers supported operations nationwide, ensuring timely and efficient service across the country.

Clothing and footwear, once essential symbols of Easter, have slipped to second place with only 27 percent of respondents choosing them. Some 22 percent will order food and drink online for the Easter meal and 17 percent will buy holiday-themed home and garden decorations. Notably, over a third of respondents (37 percent) say they don’t make any Easter-specific online purchases, a figure that rises to 42 percent among baby boomers.

When it comes to planning for Easter, most Romanians (35 percent) start their shopping two to three weeks before the holiday. Almost 29 percent wait until the last week and less than 9 percent leave it until the weekend before Easter. Around 25 percent say they don’t plan any special Easter shopping at all.

“Easter is becoming an interesting barometer for online shopping behavior, highlighting clear shifts even in areas once deeply rooted in tradition. Today’s shopping basket is moving away from historical customs, leaning more toward practical and modern products, especially among younger generations. This shift reflects a lifestyle that values speed, convenience, and relevance. At Cargus, we continue to invest in efficient delivery solutions and a wide range of customer options to make every delivery as easy and integrated into daily life as possible”, said Șerban Stoica, Chief Sales Officer at Cargus.

While home delivery remains the top choice for most Romanians (61 percent), alternative options are gaining ground. Some 44 percent of respondents say they also use fixed delivery points, with adoption significantly higher among younger consumers.

Electronics topped the list of most ordered products this Easter, further confirming the growing interest in tech and digital gifting.