How COVID Has Changed E-Commerce For Good

Look around. It’s not the same world anymore. COVID-19 has permanently changed the way we live, work and shop.

Most companies and brands have had to pivot and take the e-commerce route where possible. There’s been a shift from local physical to digital consumer essentials during this crisis, and this has led to a rise in the demand for goods online.

Just look at Amazon. They are already gearing for expansion as they have announced plans to hire 175,000 additional warehouse and delivery workers to keep up with the demand. The company has experienced a rise in online orders due to the multitudes of people in lockdown. And this is not limited to the US as Amazon India plans to hire 50,000 temporary workers to meet the surge in online shopping in the country.

E-Commerce Is Here To Stay

Online buying and selling behaviors have greatly shifted due to the pandemic. For many families, online grocery, entertainment, and apparel shopping will eventually replace mall and store visits permanently. That is until a vaccine becomes widely available.

However, many are still reluctant to go back to their old shopping habits for fear that they might get sick. A study by Morning Consult conducted last April found that 24% of consumers would be uncomfortable shopping in a mall for the next six months.

The Coronavirus Accelerates Shift To E-Commerce

With a shift in consumer behavior, the pandemic has accelerated the shift to e-commerce by at least five years. E-commerce was projected to grow by nearly 20% in 2020. However, this growth has become even more pronounced at the start of the pandemic, with retail e-commerce up 44.5% in Q2.

A Change In Consumer Expectations

As there is a rise in job loss and recession, consumers are now focused on quality as more and more of them are rethinking their total spending. With this, merchants who offer high-quality goods and great customer experience can win and keep those consumers loyal to them.

Consumers are also more aware of product availability. Real-time data on in-stock inventory, prompt answers to customer inquiries, and targeted marketing messages about products available can help merchants serve their consumers well.

Finally, consumers want everything to be delivered. Because of this, merchants who have identified new and innovative options for online shopping have a survival advantage.

If you have a business that is struggling due to the pandemic, you may need to keep your focus on what your consumers want and need right now. Think of ways on how to deliver the best possible results by offering a seamless online shopping experience.