SOCIAL HIPPOS FOR ONLINE RETAIL
Social Hippos empowers online retail businesses with the social media management, google ads and awesome online stores. We will help you build and grow your e-commerce brand.
GET IN TOUCH WITH AN EXPERTWith the global landscape of eCommerce evolving rapidly, predictions for 2023 indicate significant growth. In 2022, more than 2.3 billion individuals were anticipated to partake in online shopping. The United States, being one of the primary eCommerce markets, boasted around 268 million digital buyers in the same year. This surge in online consumer activity underscores the increasing importance of the digital marketplace.
As of January 2023, the worldwide population comprises around 8 billion people, and at least 28% of them engage in online shopping to fulfill their needs. The upward trajectory of online shoppers is relentless, with the United States projected to witness nearly 285 million digital buyers by 2025. This consistent rise in the number of online shoppers globally emphasizes the sustained momentum of eCommerce.
The projections for the eCommerce industry paint a lucrative picture, with global online retail sales expected to surpass an impressive $7 trillion by 2025. In the United States alone, the retail eCommerce sales for the third quarter of 2022 reached approximately $265 billion, marking a notable 3% increase from the previous quarter. These figures underscore the immense potential for businesses venturing into the online retail space.
Europe emerges as a key player in the eCommerce growth story, with market revenue anticipated to grow by 10.60% annually from 2023 to 2027. Moreover, 63% of shopping journeys in Europe commence online, creating ample opportunities for eCommerce platforms to explore marketplaces and capitalize on the upward trajectory of digital sales. The eCommerce landscape in Europe is poised for continued expansion, presenting a favorable environment for businesses to thrive.
The dynamics of the eCommerce industry reveal intriguing insights, with the consumer electronics sector leading the global B2C eCommerce industry in 2022 by generating over $988.4 billion in revenue. Despite ranking second, the fashion industry maintained a robust position, contributing $904.5 billion. China, a powerhouse in the eCommerce market, commands a dominant position, with around 80% of Chinese internet users engaging in eCommerce transactions. Alibaba, China's top online retailer, alone generated over $700 billion in online sales in 2022, emphasizing the substantial impact of the Chinese market on global retail eCommerce sales. Businesses eyeing entry into the Chinese market are advised to consider building multilingual eCommerce stores and leveraging popular social media platforms like Weibo, Douyin, and WeChat to enhance brand awareness.
Delving into online shopping behavior unveils critical insights for eCommerce strategies. The average cart abandonment rate is a significant challenge, standing at a staggering 69.99%. Understanding the reasons behind this abandonment—such as unexpected extra costs, account creation requirements, and slow delivery processes—becomes pivotal for businesses seeking to optimize user experience and secure sales.
DThe realm of online payments sees digital wallets, credit, and debit cards taking center stage. In 2021, digital wallets accounted for nearly half of all online transactions globally, with a projected market share of 53% by 2025. Businesses are urged to integrate popular digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay to streamline the checkout process, enhance user experience, and positively influence purchasing decisions.
Online reviews play a crucial role in shaping consumer trust and decision-making. A staggering 9 out of 10 consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, emphasizing the significance of user-generated content. Responding to customer reviews becomes a key strategy, with 97% of online shoppers who read reviews also seeking responses from the businesses. Leveraging platforms like Google Business Profile for local business reviews can further amplify a brand's online presence.
A notable shift in consumer preferences towards sustainability is evident, with 52% of eCommerce shoppers worldwide considering environmental impacts when making online purchases. In the US, a substantial 64% of consumers express a willingness to pay more for sustainable products. Businesses are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as going paperless and utilizing biodegradable packaging, to align with this growing trend and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
The preference for online shopping remains strong, with 56.6% of customers favoring eCommerce platforms for reasons such as 24/7 availability, convenience, discount codes, health safety, and speed. While online shopping dominates global commerce sales, data also indicates that almost half of customers still prefer brick-and-mortar stores. Businesses adopting an omnichannel approach can cater to diverse customer preferences, ensuring a seamless shopping experience across multiple channels.