These past few months have ushered in a lot of changes for the industry. As we dive deeper into the second half of 2020, many brands and retailers are wondering what more they can do to keep business moving in the midst of so many disruptions.
Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that.
Since COVID-19 began to garner international attention in early March, we’ve discovered that 48% of consumers are shopping online more frequently. During lockdown 53% of consumers have discovered new brands or retailers and say they will be shopping more with them online.
Which is saying a lot, since global e-commerce sales were already projected to top $4.9 trillion before the current crisis shifted buying behaviours.
Consumers are not only spending more time on Amazon and eBay, but are frequenting other marketplaces as well. An estimated 30% are purchasing items they’d never bought online before.
The question to ask is: How can you use these e-commerce trends to your benefit?
As you prepare to make the most of new and emerging opportunities in 2020, it’s important to keep several key dates top of mind.
2020 e-commerce events
While the usual e-commerce conference circuit looks a little different this year, many of the most important networking and learning events are still going strong. Several of them are now virtual, including:
- DMEXCO @ Home (September 23-24)
DMEXCO is the meeting place and a community for key players in digital business, marketing, and innovation. Bringing together industry leaders, marketing and media professionals, and tech pioneers to set the digital agenda. - eCommerce Expo Virtual (September 29 – October 1)
eCommerce Expo: Is the leading UK event dedicated to the ecommerce industry. Connecting over 8,000 industry leaders and decision makers with providers of the newest ecommerce technologies.
2020 online shopping holidays
Recent changes will no doubt have an impact on shopping holidays, too. Three that you’ll want to keep an especially close eye on during the second half of the year include:
- Amazon Prime Day
One of the biggest online shopping events of the year has been delayed for 2020, which means you have plenty of time to prepare. As you wait for the official date to be announced, be sure to watch our Prime Day preparation webinar and check your readiness with the Prime Day preparation checklist. - Singles Day
If you haven’t already planned for Singles Day 2020, now’s the time. The world’s biggest online shopping holiday drove more than $38 billion in sales last year — much of which went to international brands. - National Returns Day
All brands and retailers know how important it is to prepare promotions and inventory for the busy end-of-year peak shopping season. But are you also ready to handle an influx of returns?
Each year, millions of Christmas packages are sent back to brands and retailers on what’s been dubbed National Returns Day. With even more purchases taking place online in 2020, there’s a good chance those numbers will inch even higher in the wake of the Cyber Weekend and Boxing Day sales. Take time now to ensure you have the right processes in place, including technical and support staff as well as automated inventory updates
Other important dates for brands and retailers
The above highlights are important, but they’re far from the only e-commerce events you’ll want to be prepared for.
If you’d like even more tips and reminders to help you stay organised throughout the second half of this year, download our latest e-commerce calendar for all the important dates you need to know from now through December.
