It’s time for online shopping to become more of staple in the business world and the numbers show it. Retailers in the US are going forward with innovation and strategy to take e-commerce higher, yet the driver behind it all is the shopper demand. Internet Retailer has reported that shopper demand is not only growing in US, but also abroad in Europe.
The article discussed how 53% of consumers in Europe bought something online in 2015. It mentioned that the proportion of consumers age 16-74 who made a purchase online within the 12 months prior to the survey stood at 53% last year, compared with 43% in a 2012 via the EU statistic agency Eurostat report. This means that online shopping increased10% in three years there. The percentage represents a high-water mark and exceeds the European Commission’s Digital Agenda goals for technology adoption in the region.
Eurostat also found in the survey that 81% of individuals in the target age group in the 28-country European Union used the Internet in the 12 months prior to a new survey, and 65% of those regular internet users bought or ordered goods or services for private use. This means that there are repeat shoppers that are buying online more and more on a regular basis confirming Europe likes it. This is an increase of 15% since 2007. Also, Eurostat found that 30% of European online shoppers purchased goods or services from sellers in other EU countries, which is up from 25% in a 2012. 18% of shoppers bought from sellers outside the EU, compared to 13% in 2012 as well.
Retailers realize the magnitude of making their products accessible and convenient online. Shoppers have mobile devices at their disposal to be able place an online order in an instant. This is the store that retailers are pouring investments into to make sure they capture the market that isn’t step foot into their physical doors. Online retail is forecasted to reach $500 billion by 2018, and retailers are getting their position set, as e-commerce is shifting how we do business, just like cell phones shifted way we daily communicate. Big name retailers are even now taking their web presence farther by offering same-day delivery, not only in the US, but also globally.
For example, Amazon has not only expanded with same-day delivery in the US, but it is establishing its’ delivery foundation in England via acquisitions. Wal-Mart engages in some same-day delivery. Last year, Wal-Mart has fully acquired Yihaodian to establish its’ online retail presence in China. Amazon is looking compete in China also, which same-day delivery will probably be utilized also. Online retail is expected to hit $1 trillion by 2019 there.
Macy’s is one physical store retailer that has seen where online shopping is headed and made strides since 2013 to offer one of the highest levels of convenience with same-day delivery. The department store leader partnered with delivery company Deliv a few years ago and has consistently expanded since within several major US cities. Last year, Kohl’s rolled out same-day delivery in six more major US cities, including Los Angeles, Brooklyn/Queens, Northern New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, and Miami. E-commerce has grown 40% annually and same-day delivery is forecasted to grow to $987 million by 2019. It appears the stage is set for retailers to provide the optimal online sales and delivery model ever for customers in years to come.
Online shopping is increasing in Europe, as trust in technology only adds to customers becoming more comfortable. The convenience factor is what retailers want to bring to the table with same-day delivery and a Same-Day Courier like 1-800 Courier is helping them do so. The Phoenix Courier is a viable option to join comfort with convenience to meet US shopper demand.
Reference: 1.22.16, www.internetretailer.com, Bill Briggs, Europeans grow more comfortable shopping online
