Before the rise of the internet, shopping was solely an in-store experience. Customers worldwide had to physically visit stores, select items, endure long checkout lines, and carry their purchases home.
With the advent of ecommerce, the shopping landscape has transformed dramatically for the better. You might be familiar with online shopping even if you don’t know the term "ecommerce." It allows consumers to browse online stores, securely pay with credit or debit cards, and have products delivered right to their homes.
Ecommerce is rapidly gaining popularity, with online sales rising significantly around the globe. While leading retail giants still generate more revenue from physical locations, online sales are growing at an unprecedented pace—three times faster than in-store shopping.
In the US, the total revenue from in-store purchases is ten times that of online sales. However, by the end of 2016, online shopping increased by 12.2%, in contrast to a mere 3% for traditional shopping.
Yet, not everyone enjoys online shopping. Many prefer the tactile experience of holding and examining items, with 56% of in-store shoppers citing this preference. Concerns over product appearance, long delivery times, high shipping costs, and the nature of valuable items also play a role in their choice to shop in-store.
