The digital difference.

In case it had somehow escaped your notice, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on e-commerce sales worldwide. Beginning in 2020, online was practically the only way to shop in safety, and global e-commerce sales doubled during the first three months of lockdown.

A survey of around 3,700 consumers in nine emerging and developed economies by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has shown how these consumers have made the greatest shift to online shopping during the pandemic.

How the world shops now.

Over half those surveyed in countries that include Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Switzerland and Turkey, shop online more frequently and rely on the internet more for news, health-related information and digital entertainment since the pandemic started.

The UNCTAD survey also shows that online purchases have risen by 6-10% across most product categories, with the biggest increase seen across sectors such as IT and electronics, gardening and DIY, pharmaceuticals, education, household products and personal care products.

US digital spending up 44%.

In the US, consumers spent $861.12 billion online with retailers in 2020, up 44.0% from $598.02 billion in 2019, according to the latest Digital Commerce 360 analysis. Online spending represented 21.3% of total retail sales last year, compared with 15.8% the year prior.

For the record, 24% of men were found to be shopping online more frequently during the pandemic, compared to 18% of women. One third of men, compared to 25% of women, said that Covid-19 was impacting how much they spend on products.

A survey of US and UK consumers found that 96% of Millennials and Gen Zs are concerned about the pandemic and its effects on the economy. 30% of millennials now shop more frequently online, with 24% of Gen Z, 20% of Gen X and just 8% of Baby Boomers.

A change for the better?

The shift in consumer behaviour has found some industries much better prepared to ramp up their digital offering than others, with the result that many businesses are lagging behind, often working with outdated systems and processes that have left them struggling to cope with increased demand.

It looks certain that the changes forced by the pandemic in shopping behaviour will continue in the post-Covid world, which makes this the time when all industries should focus their efforts on creating a first class digital experience for their customers. It’s an e-commerce world now.

Looking to overhaul your e-commerce?

We offer a comprehensive e-commerce web design package to give your products the best platform for sales. Using tried and tested WooCommerce technology, we use a combination UX/UI and digital marketing techniques to help boost sales and keep your customers happy. Get in touch with the team and see what we can do for you!