The internet has changed the way a lot of things are done, both socially and in the business world. Today, more and more shoppers in the US are taking advantage of eCommerce. Purchases big and small are being done on the internet; electronics, furniture, shoes, clothes and even groceries are being bought online.
Riding the crest of the eCommerce wave is Amazon. In 2015, every 24 cents of each dollar spent on retail purchases went to Amazon coffers. This was 51 cents of every dollar spent on online purchases. Amazon is not only leading while other online shops follow, they are at the top of the retail market. Going by the shopping trends seen in 2015, it is expected that in 2016, eCommerce websites will see an 85% increase in revenue.
Another trend is in the way online purchases are being paid for. A survey showed that 63% of retailers intend to offer shoppers the Apple Pay option in the next two years. Stores have no choice but to provide shoppers with the payment options they feel are the most convenient and secure. This is true for both online and brick and mortar stores.
High demand, low supply
The 2015 numbers and 2016 projections for online stores should encourage entrepreneurs to start online stores. In the US, more than half of the population shops online. To be specific, at least 57.4% of Americans buy online. However, only 28% of small businesses have a strong, active presence on the internet, which leaves that path wide open for a dedicated entrepreneur.
Shopping on the desk
Another trend with online shopping in the US is the device that shoppers prefer to do their shopping on. Despite the fact that most people, old and young, are constantly on their mobile devices, these devices are not the most preferred shopping device. Rather, online shoppers prefer shopping from their desktop computers, 72% to be precise. 15% shop from their smartphones and 13% from their tablets. This is a factor that eCommerce site owners need to keep in mind when doing their web design. While the design should be responsive, meaning that the content adjusts itself for clear viewing depending on the device it is being viewed on, desktop shoppers should be kept in mind.
Perhaps online shoppers are wary of cyber crime like identity theft and they prefer to take the time on their desktop at home or at the office to ensure a site is secure. Ensuring a site is secure is another important aspect that online stores need to very keen on.
