Despite the epidemic, online sales increased dramatically, reaching $796 billion by 2020. After a pandemic hits, what will happen to online shopping post-pandemic? Will the expansion of internet shopping slow down now that consumers are returning in droves to brick-and-mortar establishments?
Professionals agree that this is the case. Even while 2021 won’t be a banner year for online shopping during the pandemic, the pace at which online purchases rise and accelerate will be far higher than before shutdowns and social distancing.
Post-Disaster E-Commerce Expansion
Emarketer has predicted that by 2021, online sales would reach $908 billion, an increase of 13.7 percent from 2020 estimates. Even as the epidemic winds down and consumers return to shopping in stores, a higher portion of their budgets is once again being allocated to services like travel and live entertainment.
After adjusting for inflation, the total value of all e-commerce transactions in 2021 will be more than $147 billion more than had the pandemic not occurred.
Retail is doing well. Walmart’s first-quarter U.S. sales were their highest ever, up 6% year-over-year. Customers spending their stimulus checks helped. Walmart’s online sales grew 37% YoY and quadrupled in the past two years.
After the epidemic, why has internet cross-border shopping continued to explode? Here are five reasons why online shopping is still so popular despite recent shutdowns and growing apathy among consumers:
- Convenience
- SMB e-commerce
- Amazon dominance
- Technology improvements
- Social media e-commerce
It’s been a little over a year since the pandemic first hit, and pandemic and online shopping has become the new normal for many of us. Here are five reasons why online shopping is still so popular after the pandemic:
1. Convenience
Let’s face it; online shopping is just more convenient than going to the store. You can shop from the comfort of your own home, without dealing with the crowds or the hassle of finding parking. And with more businesses offering free shipping and returns, it’s easy to get what you want without any hassle.
2. SMB E-commerce
Online shopping and the pandemic have been tough on small businesses, but many have adapted by setting up e-commerce sites.
This has made it easier for us to support local businesses and buy from them directly without going through a third party like Amazon.
3. Amazon’s Dominance
Amazon is still the king of online shopping with worldwide shipping stores, and there’s no doubt they’ve benefited from the pandemic.
With more people overseas online shopping, they’ve expanded their business and offered even more products and services.
4. Technology Improvements
Pandemic online shopping has come a long way, thanks to technological advances. Shopping sites are now more user-friendly and offer features like one-click checkout and personalized recommendations.
5. Social Media E-commerce
Social media has become a powerful tool for e-commerce businesses. platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow businesses to reach a wider audience and promote their products directly to users.
Trends in 2022
Here are four major trends that will have a significant impact on what customers buy in 2022:
1. The Rise of Experience-Based Purchases
As the world becomes more and more digitized, people are increasingly looking for ways to connect with others and have meaningful experiences.
This trend is already beginning to emerge in the form of things like Airbnb and other sharing economy startups. In the coming years, we will see an explosion of businesses offering unique experiences that cannot be replicated online.
2. The Decline of Traditional Advertising
With the rise of social media and the growing mistrust of traditional advertising, businesses will need to find new ways to reach their customers. This could mean investing in content marketing, influencer marketing, or even experiential marketing.
3. The Growth of Mobile Commerce
As more people own smartphones, mobile purchases will rise. This trend will be driven by people who are comfortable making mobile transactions and businesses investing in mobile-friendly commerce solutions.
4. The Rise of Sustainability
As awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment grows, so too will the demand for sustainable products and services. This trend is already beginning to emerge in electric cars and solar energy. In the coming years, we will see an increasing number of businesses offering sustainable products and services that address the needs of both consumers and the planet.
These are just a few of the major trends that will shape customer behavior in the coming years. As businesses understand these trends, they will be better positioned to provide the products and services that their customers want.
What Customers Are Buying In 2022?
The products that will be a huge hit in 2022
1. The Decorative Light Bulb:
Decorative light bulbs have been around for some time, but they have never really been accepted by the masses. However, in 2022 it will be all over the place. This is because many new designs and styles are available for this product on the market today.
The decorative light bulb can be used as a nightlight, or you can use it as an accent piece in your home or office. It’s versatile and easy to install, so you don’t need to be an electrician to install one of these lights in your home or office. Many different styles are available at reasonable prices that will fit any budget and decor style imaginable!
2. The Portable Fan:
As the summer heats up, people are looking for ways to cool down without using air conditioning or portable fans. They don’t keep them cool enough to sleep or rest after a long day of work or school.
Portable fans have always been popular because they’re cheap and easy to use, but now there are many styles to fit any decor.
3. Healthcare Products
Healthcare online shopping after the pandemic will be big in 2022 because people are starting to pay more attention to their health and fitness than ever before. Many people are investing in products to help them live healthier lifestyles while ensuring they get enough sleep and eat right.
4. Gifts for Friends
The biggest trend in 2022 is the rise of gift-giving. People still buy gifts for their friends and family but do it more often. Some people have made a point to buy gifts more often than once a year to ensure they stay on top of their loved one’s interests and needs.
Final Words:
Online shopping post-pandemic has become an essential part of today’s consumer culture, with most Americans turning to the internet for their consumer needs.
Brick-and-mortar stores remain important to Americans, but many actively use a combination of shopping methods for their consumer purchases.
Retailers hoping to compete with online shopping will have to develop ways to compete for consumers within this changing retail environment.