As many consumers have resulted in isolating at home many businesses have had their progress falter during these testing times. On the other hand, online businesses have blossomed from the spike in online traffic, particularly e-commerce based businesses. They’ve been able to grasp new technologies, utilise different funnel strategies and as a result, increased their reputation against other competitors.
A prime example of this is Amazon’s success throughout the pandemic. Sales have increased as demands for different products have risen. There have been many industries and sectors that have seen e-commerce success. Let’s look into these into more detail.
Increased demand in medical supplies
One of the biggest stories to come from the pandemic is the uproar around lack of medical supplies such as masks and gloves. Since the announcement that the COVID-19 virus could be contracted through the air and spread from different surfaces, they were at one stage the most in-demand product in the country.
On top of this, health boosters such as probiotic supplements have seen a large influx of traffic as consumers look to take any means necessary to upgrade their immune system. In some cases, there have been 40% increase in traffic levels, similar that has been achieved by Amazon. It’s fair to say that out of all industries, the medical sector has been a real winner for product demand.
Websites shifting away from user experience
Although user experience is extremely important when it comes to online experience for consumers. However, to adapt to the short term crisis many businesses have temporarily put technology ahead of user experience. They’ve been utilising personal data to understand consumer behaviour and bring the products that they need through their ecommerce channels.
This is why e-commerce businesses that put technology at the forefront of their processes have succeeded in these testing times. It’s also something that is likely to be the future of the ecommerce sector.
Fast fashion continues to succeed
Another sector that has seen the success from the affects of the global pandemic is the fashion industry. Whilst brick and mortar have suffered from social distancing measures and non-essential businesses closing, fast-fashion businesses continue to flourish through ecommerce platforms.
Independent retailers have also found it easy to adapt to new consumer needs with the use of CMS tools like Shopify and Magento to set up their online business. This will be a good move for retailers as it’s through online purchases that they’re more likely to succeed in the long term.
Omnichannel approaches have provided resilience
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, it was fair to say that many traditional retailers were either struggling or keeping themselves just above water. There were many emerging, new businesses coming to the fore of many sectors, increasing competition and manipulating consumer behaviour to attract them elsewhere, mainly online. Inevitably, this has impacted retailers that depend on in-store purchases for their sales.
The outbreak has highlighted the importance of digital transformation and multi-channel options for users. Businesses that had a strong e-commerce strategy in particular, have seen the benefits of providing online options for customers to access their goods. Best Buy’s sales which predominantly sell electrical goods have increased around 155% since late March when the pandemic was at its most intense.
As outbreak restrictions begin to ease, many retailers will use this success to encourage them to move to a more efficient omni-channel model for their business. Customer expectations and increase in-demand is changing how the marketplace operates and businesses need to be able to adapt to it.
E-commerce success is here for the long-term
Although the pandemic is beginning to fade away, its lasting effects are likely to remain for years to come. Specifically, change in consumer behaviour towards retail stores and the option to deliver or Click & Collect as many customers become reluctant to visit in-store where they can.
Businesses can take advantage of this shift by utilising e-commerce models for their products and ensuring that omni channels can fulfil the needs of their customers better.