E-commerce had already been on a rising trend in recent years, and with the pandemic, its importance has only grown. As contactless shopping became a central focus in our lives, e-commerce assumed a vital role for all of us.
While many aspects of our lives have changed, the pandemic has also transformed business processes. Some companies have had to permanently close their physical stores due to reduced customer footfall, while others have fully transitioned to digital. To manage processes more quickly and accessibly and remain competitive, many e-commerce businesses have turned to cloud computing services.
E-commerce is an Opportunity, Not a Threat
There’s not much difference between retail and e-commerce—products or services are sold directly to customers. By moving to e-commerce, you can offer the same products or services in a digital format.
Retail businesses adapt quickly and creatively. E-commerce provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to continue growing despite current circumstances. Shoppers can see new clothing items and accessories in real time and receive personalized recommendations before placing their online orders.
People are buying products and services online, and they will continue to do so.
Recently, with people choosing to stay home and avoid crowded public places, e-commerce has experienced a surge. However, e-commerce was already on a growing trend even before it became a necessity, and this trend isn’t expected to slow down; in fact, it will likely continue to rise.
Several factors contribute to the growing importance of e-commerce within the retail sector:
- Number of Digital Buyers
Internet access is widely available worldwide, and modern life is highly digitalized. With various online marketplaces, it’s much easier for consumers to make informed purchases online, comparing products and prices more easily than they could in person. - Mobile Devices
According to Statista, 60% of global retail website visits came from smartphones in 2019, and this percentage is expected to increase in the coming years. This means that many purchases happen not only online but also on mobile devices.Visit our Mobile Commerce page to make your store mobile-friendly. - Retail Sales
Mobile commerce enables you to serve your customers effectively. Adopting cloud technology for retail is the best way to achieve this.
What Can a Cloud-Based E-Commerce Store Do for a Retail Business?
By establishing a cloud-based e-commerce store, you can support your business and customers in several ways.
How Does It Support Product Sales?
With more digital buyers than ever, and many website visits coming from mobile devices, cloud computing offers numerous benefits for consumers, especially mobile shoppers. With cloud computing, e-commerce can offer a convenient and seamless mobile shopping experience.How Does It Improve the Customer Experience?
Cloud retail technology generates real-time data analytics that show what shoppers prefer. This data helps business owners make decisions that can boost sales and profit.How Does It Support Inventory Management?
With cloud-based e-commerce, you can access your store’s data and computing power over the internet. Teams can work remotely, and e-commerce cloud computing makes this possible.
How to Leverage E-Commerce Cloud?
To convert your physical store into an online store, you need to establish a strategy. Carefully consider your vision, as preparing your business before launch is crucial. Once you expand online, you should expect an increase in demand, and you must be able to meet it promptly without compromising on quality.
Visit our SAP Commerce Cloud page to accelerate your e-commerce growth globally and find the right e-commerce platform.
Contact us to integrate your business with prominent trends such as E-Commerce and Mobile Commerce.
