Ecommerce continues to climb and shows no signs of stopping
Shopping for merchandise online is a preferred method for many consumers, and it seems as though the channel will only increase in use in the coming years. People like the convenience that ecommerce provides, as they can browse for, compare and buy products at home or on the go through their mobile devices. The fast point of sale transactions and simple delivery options add to the reasons why more customers are turning to the Internet for their retail needs.
With the back-to-school season fast approaching and the official start of the holiday shopping season only a few months away, merchants are already gearing up for these busy periods. If brands want to ensure they attract and accommodate both new and existing patrons, then putting more focus into ecommerce strategies is one of the best ways to drive sales.
Web shopping on sharp upward trajectory
It's no secret that ecommerce is steadily growing as a preferred shopping channel for a significant amount of consumers. But what may come as a surprise is the expected sharp increase of Internet commerce throughout this year and in the near future. Internet Retailer reported that, according to research from IBM, online retail sales rose 15 percent during this year's second quarter when compared to the same time last year.
There were several retail sectors that experienced more growth than others during the past three months, the source explained. For example, online apparel sales were boosted by 21 percent year-over-year thanks to markdowns. Additionally, sales of home goods saw a 56 percent rise from the same time last year, the source detailed.
Mobile becoming a main channel
While many shoppers like to research and purchase products using their home computers and laptops, another trend is steadily gaining traction within ecommerce – mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets give consumers the ability to look up information and buy merchandise at any place and any time.
A separate article by Internet Retailer revealed that a study by Branding Brand found that mobile commerce increased significantly between July 2012 and July 2013. During this time, sales made on mobile gadgets rose from 2.7 percent to 4.3 percent, representing a 59.2 percent growth. And analysts expect this figure will continue to grow, as consumers express their preference for the channel and merchants implement mobile POS solutions to accommodate device-carrying patrons.
