As the global lockdown continues, this week’s AOB looks at what brands are doing to help, and how consumers’ buying habits are changing.
SMEs reach new buyers through eBay
In Germany, Shopify1 retailers who have suffered a hit to their online business due to the current pandemic, have been given a boost, thanks to a new, mutually beneficial partnership. Shopify SMEs can now set up and sell their products directly on eBay from their Shopify account, giving them access to the e-commerce giant’s global customer base. In turn, eBay's customers have access to new brands and products.
smartAI2 allows sellers to automatically synchronize key information – such as inventory, product description and price – across the two platforms, to make the move as simple as possible.
eBay is also tempting new retailers with access to its emergency aid program, which frees them from subscription fees for six months and sales commission for three months.
As e-commerce brands adapt to the current crisis, what can you do to weather the storm? Read our E-commerce Corona Guide for some top tips.
Styling the frontline
Fashion has often put appearance before practicality. However, in China, the recent virus outbreak has seen a surge in demand for functional clothes that can act also act as protective clothing from infections.
In response, Beijing-based designer Liu Wei3 has created a new line of clothing that is germ-resistant and breathable. It comprises of three pieces: a windbreaker, a sleeveless piece covering the head and shoulders, and a piece for the upper torso and arms.
The fabric used has been specially chosen for its durability and strength – with waterproof, anti-static and dust-resistant qualities. It even meets the standards required by medical personnel, and as a result, has been used by those working in Wuhan.
Listen to why the fashion industry is the ultimate home of entrepreneurship here in our podcast with Business Of Fashion.
Need for speed: online checkout revs up
Fast4, the digital login and checkout startup, is continuing its efforts to improve the e-commerce checkout experience.
With online consumers having to fill out an average of 23 fields to make a single purchase5, which in turn leads to cart abandonment, Fast is positioning its new software as the solution. Fast Checkout is a one-click tool that allows consumers to complete their purchases with a single click on any browser, platform or device, and is set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, read our quick fixes on how to reduce shopping cart abandonment at your e-commerce store.
US consumers shift their e-commerce spending
New research from Klarna6, the fintech company whose ‘shop now, pay later’ feature has made it particularly popular with the younger generation, has shed some light on consumers’ buying habits during the outbreak. The app, which is used by 7 million shoppers in the US, analyzed all the transactions made through its own platform as well as through its retail partners, and found Gen Zers, millennials and Gen Xers are focusing their online spending on clothing, shoes and accessories – in particular, loungewear and sportswear.
Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiathkowski commented: “For retailers and brands, the data may indicate that shoppers are choosing to buy comfortable items to work from home in as well as workout wear that will get them through the next several weeks of exercising in their living rooms”.
Check out our e-tailer guide for tips on how to keep up with online demand during this period.
Health-conscious consumers look for ‘safer’ products
California-based Simplehuman7, which creates home products for efficient living, has – perhaps unsurprisingly – reported a rise in sales of its ‘touch-free’ products. Mindful consumers conscious of germs and viruses have prompted a surge in demand for the company’s hands-free soap dispensers and trash cans.
During the current crisis, Simplehuman has donated thousands of soap dispensers to communities in need and is now working with other foundations to direct healthcare supplies to frontline hospitals.
