Changing Consumer Trends on Online Shopping in a Post-COVID World

1
1949

Consumers are evolving with their online shopping routines.

Besides delivery service, choosing in-store or curbside pickup may become a preferred method. Needless to say, e-commerce has seen a huge spike and major e-commerce players are teaming up. Shipping lines have taken notice by offering premium express lanes in the Transpacific.

Expedited shipping services offer value-added options. They also serve as a great alternative to the more expensive air freight option. Such services include Matson’s CLX, APL’s EXX and ZIM’s eCommerce Xpress. These services provide money back guarantees that the cargo will arrive on time. The transit time is 10-12 days from Shanghai or Yantian to LAX, depending on the service string. Once the cargo arrives LAX port the containers will be available for pickup within 24 hours. Quick turn times are available as well, truckers get in and get out of the terminal within 30 minutes or less.

Consumer spending habits are changing, and e-commerce is soaring.

According to data released by Adobe Analytics, consumers spent $82.5 billion online in May – a 77.8% increase compared to last year. As we are three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, buying online could prove to be the new preferred method. To help support that theory, Walmart partnered with Canada based e-commerce platform Shopify.

Walmart’s e-commerce business grew 74% last quarter, while Shopify saw a 62% increase of new stores created on their platform. It’s a win-win. Walmart gains access to Shopify’s small business sellers of around 1,200 sellers. Shopify sellers will then gain access to Walmart’s 120 million monthly visitors. The timing seems right as this will place them in a better position to compete with Amazon. Facebook is also in the mix, partnering with companies like Shopify to launch an online marketplace called Facebook Shops.

Sporting goods, exercise equipment, hardware and office supplies have seen the largest gains (except essentials like groceries, cleaning supplies, etc.). According to BazaarVoice Network, hardware and office supplies increased around 60% year over year. While sporting goods and exercise equipment increased 86%. This shopping trend is accurate as many set up home offices, tackle DIY projects and start to work out at home.

Here at MTS, we will continue to report on anything More Than Shipping.

For continuous up to date information, please join our newsletter via the home page. We thank you for your support and look forward to embracing a more collaborative future.