COVID-19 is the prime focus across the globe today. Businesses are greatly affectedly due to this pandemic. Some has shut down their business because of distancing rules while others have hired staffs and paced up production to meet new demands. Again, other businesses have started procuring new items like hand sanitizers, ventilators and masks to assist in fighting against COVID-19.

How pandemic is changing ecommerce business?

• More People are Shifting to Online Shopping for Essential Items

People have now started stocking essential things like hand sanitizers, masks, toilet papers and medications. It is seen that eCommerce purchase of these products has surged to a significant rate at a short time. As a result, demand surpassed supply and there is shortage. It is also seen that consumers who never did online shopping, now look into the internet for ordering groceries and pantry staples. This change in activity is solely to protect their family members and themselves.

• Technology Based Remote Work and Video Conferencing

Hardware sales, video conferencing and cloud-based computing have increased as more and more people have started working from home. For example, Zoom, the video conferencing company, has witnessed huge increase in users. There is also a remarkable rise in Microsoft Teams conferencing, calling and meetings. With surge in the use of different devices, there is also a rise in the need of tech support as educators and businesses.

• People Doing Online Shopping to Avoid Contact and Boredom

People are stuck indoors and so, they are looking for ways to have entertainment without going out. This has led to rise in sales of playful items like puzzles, board games and craft products. Many people also keep them busy with streaming service and video games to have pleasure. As a result, online technology is also exhausted with numerous people using it for school and work. Companies are seeking for ways to meet entertainment needs of people in simple and accessible way.

• Companies Scaling up Rapidly

During pandemic, when some businesses are growing, they have to face other challenges like filling orders, sourcing supplies and managing customer service. It might happen that a product has demand in the market but, customer frustration damage corporate image and lower its demand in the long run. So, a business has to employ new staffs, source greater supplies, be honest to the customers regarding plans and challenges.

Thus, eCommerce strategy in Covid-19 situation has to be rethought to give new shape to digital marketing.