The pandemic has affected many markets and the way of life for many people. It has also changed how people shop. The pandemic has caused an E-commerce shopping boom, and the accelerated growth does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. Even when the pandemic subsides, there are going to be everlasting changes to the E-commerce sector and the logistics of getting products delivered to the consumer.
E-commerce growth has been the key to success and staying open for many businesses during this pandemic. It has also created new shopping demographics and challenges when it comes to logistics. In the end, good warehouse management and shipping organization are what gets the goods to the consumer, so that they continue shopping online.
Ecommerce Market Accelerates
As shops began to close doors and board-up, people still needed goods. Thus, the only option was to turn to E-commerce. This created a boom in the market, and more people than ever have been shopping online. Market experts have predicted that the pandemic has accelerated E-commerce as much as 6-years ahead of normal growth. The effects on E-commerce growth and industry trends include:
- Accelerated E-commerce growth years ahead
- Expanded mobile sales
- Brought more consumers to E-commerce
- Increased pick up in-store
The Covid-19 crisis has impacted E-commerce growth, and it is likely to continue to expand in these areas. The growth of E-commerce is likely to continue as more consumers trust in online shopping more than shopping at traditional brick and mortar stores. This means that warehouse management solutions are important to deal with the growth and orders being delivered to the doors of consumers on time.
Who is Shopping Online?
One of the major changes in E-commerce is the consumers that are now shopping online. With an increase in mobile sales and new consumers now shopping online, the demographic of E-commerce has also changed. The consumers that spent more before the pandemic are now saving more, and the consumers that traditionally bought their goods at brick and mortar stores are now shopping online. But, who is shopping online, and what are they buying?
- Millennials are buying necessary supplies and saving
- Generation X consumers are buying as usual and making more online purchases
- Boomers and older generations have the same habits, but more are coming to E-commerce
These are areas where consumers are buying more online than ever before. This also creates a challenge when it comes to the logistics of warehouses and delivering these products to the consumer. These different generations of consumers still expect the same experience shopping online as they do in brick and mortar stores, which has created new warehouse management and logistics challenges that need solutions.
How Warehouse Managers are Dealing with the New E-commerce Growth
When it comes to the logistics of this accelerated E-commerce growth, there are challenges that warehouse managers need to figure out. Good management and implementing the right technology to manage logistics are key in dealing with this sea of change and a warehouse full of products that need to be delivered. Some of the solutions that warehouse managers are turning to for dealing with the exponential E-commerce growth include:
- Audit stock and inventory that is selling more
- Optimize warehouse inventory with automated solutions
- Climate control and refrigeration solutions for consumable goods
- Supply chain management solutions to increase efficiency
- Customized value-added services for the consumer with shipping and pickup options
The right warehouse management solutions and logistics ensure that the consumer gets their orders on time. Good warehousing management solutions and logistics operations are key to your success during this E-commerce growth in uncertain times. Consumers are likely going to continue to trust online shopping more, and you want your business to be prepared. For help with all your warehouse management and logistics needs, contact us to help plan the right solutions.
