Find a product with just a few clicks or have an item delivered from the other side of the world in just a few days? This seems self-evident to us today. With all the information, customer reviews and brand reputations available on websites, online shopping has fundamentally changed the way we consume. But before e-commerce had a pervasive influence on our daily lives, it went through eras, challenges and trends.
The 90s: the beginning of e-commerce
The history of online shopping begins in the 1970s with the first modest explorations of computers, but the real revolution occurred in the 1990s with the introduction of the World Wide Web. The first shopping sites like Amazon and eBay emerged and paved the way for a new way of consumption. However, these early players had to contend with distrust from consumers who were hesitant to share their credit card information online.
In the mid-1990s, the first online payment platforms such as PayPal facilitated electronic transactions by ensuring the security of users’ financial information.
The 2000s: The whole world goes online
At the turn of the millennium, online trading experienced an explosive development.
Accelerating online sites
Traditional businesses quickly recognized the benefits of e-commerce and began developing their own online sales sites. Websites are multiplying and the number of users is exploding with the democratization of computing and the emergence of new devices. The Internet then allows consumers around the world to access a wide range of products and services, making online purchases an increasingly common daily shopping habit.
Online shopping is going mobile
With the advent of smartphones and tablets, online shopping apps have become commonplace, offering the opportunity to shop anytime, anywhere. Social media also plays an important role in online shopping. They have enabled brands to connect directly with their customers. A new shopping feature allows followers to purchase products directly from social media posts like Instagram.
More sellers, more competition
With thousands of products available, competition is fierce. The consumer, on the other hand, is more demanding when it comes to fast delivery and payment options. Companies are responding by offering fast delivery services (sometimes same day), flexible payment options, improved customer service and highly personalized offers to build customer loyalty.
What is the future of online shopping?
The story and meteoric rise of e-commerce is far from over. As technology continues to advance, new innovations and new consumer habits are changing our online shopping experience.
Augmented reality and virtual reality
In fact, with these new technologies, you can now virtually try out products, view furniture in your own space, and even take virtual tours of stores.
The challenge of sustainable practices
As consumers become increasingly concerned about their impact on the environment, e-commerce companies must also focus on environmental sustainability and transparency in manufacturing and transportation to stand out from the crowd.
Online shopping has come a long way since its beginnings in the 1970s. E-commerce has changed so many aspects of our daily lives, disrupted the codes and will continue to evolve and shape the way we shop.