Introduction:
E-commerce in India has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years. With the ever-increasing adoption of digital technology and changing consumer preferences, the Indian e-commerce landscape is dynamic and fast-paced. As we step into 2023, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest trends shaping the industry. In this blog post, we’ll explore the emerging e-commerce trends in India for 2023 that are revolutionizing the way people shop online.
The e-commerce market in India is growing rapidly, and the following are some of the trends that are expected to shape the market in 2023:
- Omnichannel retail: Consumers are increasingly using multiple channels to shop, and e-commerce retailers need to provide a seamless experience across all channels. This includes providing the same products and prices on all channels, as well as offering convenient return and exchange policies.
- Quick deliveries: Indian consumers are becoming more impatient, and they expect their orders to be delivered quickly. E-commerce retailers need to offer quick and reliable delivery options, such as same-day or next-day delivery.
- Personalization: E-commerce retailers need to collect data about their customers and use it to personalize the shopping experience. This includes recommending products that the customer is likely to be interested in, as well as offering discounts and deals that are relevant to the customer’s needs.
- Growth of social commerce: social media is becoming an increasingly important channel for e-commerce, and businesses need to have a strong presence on social media platforms. This includes creating engaging content, running social media ads, and using social media to connect with customers.
- Rise of the influencer economy: Influencer marketing is becoming a popular way to reach consumers, and e-commerce businesses can partner with influencers to promote their products. This can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience and generate sales.
- Growth of the rural market: The rural market is a major opportunity for e-commerce businesses, and they need to develop strategies to reach this market. This includes partnering with local retailers, offering cash on delivery options, and providing localized content.
- Rise of Niche Marketplaces: While giant e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart continue to dominate the Indian market, there is a growing trend of niche marketplaces catering to specific customer needs. These platforms focus on unique product categories such as handmade crafts, organic products, and ethnic wear. As consumers seek more personalized shopping experiences, these niche marketplaces are thriving.
- Social Commerce Integration: social media has become an integral part of e-commerce in India. E-commerce platforms are increasingly integrating social commerce features, allowing users to discover and purchase products directly through their favourite social media apps. Features like “Buy” buttons on Instagram and Facebook Shops are changing the way users shop online.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping: In 2023, AR shopping experiences are expected to gain prominence. Customers can use AR applications to visualize how products will look in their homes or on their bodies before making a purchase. This technology enhances the online shopping experience and reduces returns, boosting customer satisfaction.
- Voice Commerce:Voice commerce is on the rise in India, thanks to the growing popularity of voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Shoppers can now use voice commands to search for products, add items to their carts, and complete purchases. This trend is making online shopping more accessible, especially for those who may not be tech-savvy.
- Sustainable and Ethical Shopping: Indian consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases. E-commerce platforms are responding by offering eco-friendly and ethically sourced products. Brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices are gaining favour among consumers.
- Same-Day and Instant Delivery: As competition in the e-commerce space intensifies, fast and convenient delivery options are becoming the norm. Many e-commerce platforms are investing in logistics infrastructure to offer same-day or even instant delivery services in major cities. This trend is reshaping customer expectations for speedy order fulfilment.
- Personalized Shopping Recommendations: E-commerce platforms are leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide highly personalized shopping recommendations. By analysing user behaviour and preferences, these systems offer tailored product suggestions, enhancing the overall shopping experience and increasing conversion rates.
These are just some of the trends that are expected to shape the e-commerce market in India in 2023. Businesses that can adapt to these trends will be well-positioned to succeed in the years to come.
(Source: https://blog.deepit.com/)
India received $6.6 billion in venture capital and private equity investment in 2015, a 50% increase from the previous year, which probably contributed to a steep growth in the gross merchandise value for ecommerce companies.
As we can see in the above picture representing India with 68% growth followed by China, US. Thus, we can assume that India is a huge market for the foreign investors and it can also grow in terms of its GDP and position itself in the largest economy in the world.
Projected social ecommerce revenue and growth rates worldwide from 2017 to 2025.
(Source: https://www.shopify.com/plus/commerce-trends/ecommerce)
Social commerce has the potential to expand to 4.28BUS$ upto14% growth in the financial year of 2023: Social commerce is a rapidly growing segment of the e-commerce industry in India. It allows consumers to buy and sell products through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The market size of social commerce in India is expected to reach US$ 5-6 billion in FY25, growing at a CAGR of 55-60%.
(Source: https://www.shopify.com/plus/commerce-trends/ecommerce)
The growth of social commerce is being driven by the increasing popularity of social media platforms, the growing disposable incomes of consumers, and the rising adoption of smartphones.
Social commerce is impacting businesses in a number of ways. It is providing businesses with a new way to reach customers, generate sales, and build brand awareness. It is also helping businesses to connect with customers on a more personal level. In the FY26 the global sales is expected to reach almost up to 2900 Billion$ which is tremendous.
Conclusion:
The Indian e-commerce landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. In 2023, we can expect to see a continued surge in niche marketplaces, social commerce integration, augmented reality shopping experiences, and voice commerce. Additionally, sustainability and ethical shopping will become more significant, and lightning-fast delivery services will be the new norm.
As e-commerce continues to transform, both consumers and businesses should stay attuned to these emerging trends to make the most of this dynamic and exciting industry. Whether you’re a shopper seeking a more personalized experience or a business looking to thrive in the digital marketplace, embracing these trends can help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of Indian e-commerce.
Md Arbaz Khan
BBA, PGDM (Marketing & Operations)
PISM Bangalore, Powered by Sunstone
