Introduction
Today, customers live in a time where the internet has become an integral part of their lives. The
internet has covered everything, whether it's about choosing the best route to the destination or researching before purchasing something. There is no denying that the world is increasingly becoming more internet-dependent.
This has created several opportunities for small businesses to dive into the digital world and tap the potential of e-commerce across various industries. Over the past few years, e-commerce has evolved in profound ways, and this emergence has redefined the way small business commercial activities take place around the world.
New E-commerce Trend Paving the Way in Small Businesses
Online shopping has enabled hundreds of
small businesses to not only survive but also thrive. In 2020, online shopping pushed overall retail sales up nearly 3.5%, to $5.6 trillion, in comparison to the previous year.
E-commerce alone witnessed a growth of around 33.6% in 2020, according to a study. E-commerce is increasingly becoming an important part of not only retail but of the economy as a whole. Seeing this, small businesses are considering online sales as a way to connect with their audiences and expand their brand, not just to increase revenue.
Despite the shift towards e-commerce, hundreds of small businesses are still figuring out how to start selling their products and services online. However, thanks to the introduction of novel e-commerce solutions, it has become much easier for small businesses to set up an online shop.
What Lies Ahead?
E-commerce allows small businesses to stay in touch with customers who have grown accustomed to the convenience of online shopping or those who are wary of public spaces. In addition, increasing internet accessibility, personalized products and offers, ease of transaction, better convenience than physical shopping is making online shopping desirable to consumers. This is encouraging small businesses to invest in the adoption of advanced e-commerce solutions for expanding their reach and increasing their sales.
In 2020, Small retailers, specifically, saw a significant increase in online sales this holiday season, with an average 104 percent increase over last year. And, by all accounts, e-commerce will continue to be a major trend for small businesses in the future.