9 Ways that E-Commerce Changed During the Pandemic

When it comes to ecommerce, 2020 will be remembered as the year that everything changed. The pandemic forced businesses and consumers alike to re-evaluate how they operate and shop. And while it's still too early to tell exactly how permanent these changes will be, one thing is certain: the landscape of ecommerce has been forever altered.

Here's a look at some of the biggest ways covid has changed ecommerce.

 

1. Online is the new norm

Prior to the pandemic, ecommerce was already on the rise. But when faced with the reality of lockdowns and social distancing, even more people turned to online shopping out of necessity. This shift is likely to continue long after the pandemic is over, as many people have now discovered the convenience and ease of shopping online.

 

2. Home delivery continues to soar

Another consequence of the pandemic has been the explosion in popularity of home delivery services. With so many people stuck at home, getting items delivered right to your doorstep has become a lifesaver for many. And businesses have risen to the occasion, with many ecommerce platforms now offering quick and easy delivery options.

 

3. Instant gratification through delivery services

As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, people around the world have been increasingly turning to couriers for their shopping and delivery needs. This demand has been especially pronounced in countries that have been under lockdown, as people are unable to leave their homes to shop in person.

This trend has had a major impact on the courier industry, which has had to adapt its operations to meet the increased demand. Sydney Couriers Zoom2u recorded a 156% increase in demand during the most recent lockdowns which translated to hiring more staff and increasing delivery frequency.

While the pandemic has presented challenges for the courier industry, it has also created opportunities for growth. The increased demand for courier services is expected to continue in the post-pandemic world, as people become more accustomed to using them for instant delivery of goods.

 

4. Brick and mortar customers become e-commerce customers

With brick-and-mortar stores closed or operating on limited hours, many of us have turned to online shopping to get the items we need. And, as it turns out, we really like it.

In fact, a recent study found that 89% of respondents said they would continue to shop online even after the pandemic is over. This shift to online shopping has had a big impact on customer loyalty.

 

5. Emerging product categories

Since the pandemic, there have been some new trending product categories. One of these is health and hygiene products. This includes items such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and face masks. Another popular category is home-related items. This can include things like air purifiers, self-care products, and home organization tools.

 

6. Contactless payment is becoming more common

In an effort to limit contact and reduce the spread of the virus, contactless payments have become more popular than ever. Many businesses have adopted contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and this trend is only likely to continue in the coming months and years.

 

7. Ecommerce is becoming more mobile

Mobile commerce has been on the rise for a few years now, but the pandemic has accelerated this trend. With so many people spending more time on their phones, it's no surprise that more and more people are using their phones to shop online. This shift is likely to continue as businesses increasingly cater to the growing number of mobile shoppers.

 

9. Social media shopping is on the rise

Social media shopping is on the rise with more and more people using platforms like Instagram and Facebook to buy and sell products. In fact, according to a recent report from eMarketer, the number of social media users who have made a purchase after seeing a product on a social platform has increased by nearly 20% over the last two years.

There are a number of reasons why social media shopping is on the rise. For one, platforms like Instagram and Facebook provide users with a convenient way to browse and buy products without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, many social media platforms now offer features that make it easy for users to find deals and discounts on items they're interested in purchasing.

 

9. Global supply chains at breaking point

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on global supply chains. The pandemic has disrupted the flow of goods and services, resulting in widespread shortages of essential items. This has led to significant changes in consumer behaviour, as people have been forced to adapt to the new reality.

 

Conclusion

These changes have had a significant impact on the ecommerce landscape. In particular, they have made it easier for consumers to shop online and have given businesses a greater opportunity to reach new customers. In a post pandemic world, it is likely that these trends will continue, making ecommerce an even more important part of the retail landscape.

These are just a few of the ways that covid has changed ecommerce. As the world adapts to this new reality, we can expect to see even more changes in the months and years to come.