Social distancing and confinement has forced consumers to change their shopping habits. As a consequence, Internet sales rise due to coronavirus. This is a change that is taking place in Chile and around the world, and which has also caused retail companies to have to adapt. Know the situation thoroughly with Hispanic Entrepreneurs.
Global situation
Several analysts have advanced that as long as the coronavirus pandemic remains the same or worsens, e-commerce will be the solution to acquire the products of first necessity. In other words, most consumers will start buying more online.
And it is that for several weeks now a change in shopping habits has been noticed. Since staying at home is being promoted, more people have chosen to buy their products in online stores.
In the countries most affected by the virus, there is a considerable increase in Internet sales. Spain, for example, the percentage of online sales grew around 55%. On the other hand, in Italy, where containment measures are stronger, the purchase of food in online stores increased 30% in mid-March.
According to an Econsultancy survey of Marketing experts, 71% agreed that e-commerce sales will increase as a result of the coronavirus for the next few months. It is not surprising that this occurs since many physical stores closed at the moment, directing their efforts to online commerce.
Which sectors are the winners at the moment?
The increase in online sales does not mean that all categories benefit equally. Although supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential goods stores remain open, it is those same products that are in greatest demand online.
The coronavirus crisis boosted sales at online food stores. It also increased purchases of health products in this way. Likewise, other categories that have benefited are those of hygiene products.
Instead, categories like fashion - which was among the most popular - fell last month.
Internet sales rise due to coronavirus
The situation in Chile does not differ from what occurs in the rest of the world, since Internet sales also rose. According to a Mercer survey released La Tercera, retail companies now sell 70% more online.
But unlike the rest of the countries, this trend appeared since the social outbreak of last October. At that time Chilean consumers began to buy more online as it gave them more peace of mind.
The coronavirus pandemic accelerated this trend and sales through this route are now an essential resource. At least at this moment in which the uncertainty continues for the spread of the disease.
The companies have already begun to take measures in light of the new situation in which they find themselves. For this reason, the priority is to improve customer service and care for employees.
Among the measures some take are facilitate the removal of products in the physical store; As for the workers, they reduce the hours of work per shift; they consider providing an incentive for attendance, and also reduced the presence of older employees.
E-commerce challenges in times of coronavirus
With the increase in demand for online products, online stores are also facing new problems. On the one hand, there are those related to supply and the production chain. As purchases increase, the products in stock run out quickly, so it is necessary to invest more in new merchandise. However, factories must be considered to work with certain limits.
Another drawback to be faced is that of logistics. This is because the departments in charge of the delivery and distribution of the products are up to the limit. And, on the other hand, shipping companies work to the fullest.
As a consequence of the above there are delays in deliveries, which can also generate reputational problems.
Among the challenges of e-commerce we also find adequate communication with the customer. On the one hand, they must promote themselves and talk about the products to attract the consumer. On the other, they must be careful with the message they send because they can leave the impression that they are taking advantage of the crisis.
What to do if you have an e-commerce?
And to the companies take measures to face the crisis. If you have a retail business, it is time to open your online store. Here are some practices that will help you improve your online presence:
- Update and optimize product sheets for SEO.
- Review the inventory and make sure the stock matches the information on the web.
- Review and update payment methods.
- Improve store navigation and customer experience.
- Keep customers informed of the company's situation and the steps they are taking.
Internet sales go up due to the coronavirus, but how you take advantage of it will depend on the decisions you make. If you make the right decisions right now, you can build long-term relationships with customers.
