COVID-19 caused a huge shift in the business world because they’ve had to rework how customers shop and purchase products and services in a safe way. This has caused a spike in e-commerce opportunities and established the need to examine user experiences online.
E-commerce refers to buying and selling products, goods, and services over the internet. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, this has become the safest and easiest way for consumers to purchase what they want or need because it allows shoppers to buy their favorite products or services with the click of a button from the safety of their own home. Since COVID-19 hit the U.S., 42% of the population has purchased their necessities online. E-commerce allows a variety of ways to digitally advertise to customers and implement sales, discounts, and rewards. In-person shopping has declined as it has become easier to shop online, and it continues to decrease even more as around 1.8 billion people are now making online purchases over traditional brick and mortar visits.
As mobile devices have grown more popular, so has shopping through them. Nearly 50% of people shop via mobile devices rather than in store (and that number goes steadily up with younger generations). In addition, people also shop more frequently online versus in person, and 62% of those online buyers shop at least monthly. If your business does not have a way to provide its goods or services via mobile phone or website, consumers may turn towards other companies that do give them that option.
The athletic wear store, Lululemon, is a perfect example of the importance of online-shopping and how it is flourishing. Their in-person store net value has decreased 51%, while their e-commerce has increased 155% and their web traffic and conversions have increased more than 90%. Major brands like Gap and Nike have also experienced similar positive e-commerce results.
As COVID-19 has lasted longer than most expected, e-commerce has become the new go-to way for customers to make purchases while remaining safe. As technology continues to grow, so will the digital world of business. Want to make sure your business is successfully joining the online world of shopping?
Contact us today to see how we can partner with you!
