KARACHI:
IT business consultants and market gurus have noted a significant rise in online store business, attributing it to the growing trend of online shopping. They emphasize that consumers are increasingly attracted to the convenience of buying products from the comfort of their own home, saving time and transport costs and avoiding the urban hustle and bustle.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, these experts highlighted the resilience of the online sales figures, which highlight the strong demand for products and services in the market.
They stated that building a popular and trusted online store in a market with varying levels of digital literacy and awareness takes time and strategic efforts. Online stores have invested resources in strategic marketing campaigns, user education and continuous platform improvements over the years to gain the trust and loyalty of local customers.
Prioritizing transparency, integrity and customer-centricity in all operations can further strengthen public trust. Transparent policies, accurate product descriptions, secure payment gateways and responsive customer support have been instrumental in building trust among customers.
Local online supermarkets like FoodPanda, Daraz, Krave Mart and online services of Imtiaz, Naheed and other supermarkets are seeing steady growth in online shoppers. In addition, international online supermarkets such as Amazon, JD, Walmart and others are also expanding their networks among their respective customers.
IT expert Mehboob Shar, also Founder and CEO of Icreativez Technologies, pointed out that the trend of online stores was gradually increasing globally before the sudden spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that spreading awareness about e-supermarkets in Pakistan would take 10 to 15 years under normal circumstances. However, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of online shopping as people tried to contain the virus in their respective areas. After the pandemic, online markets gained momentum and are now experiencing significant growth.
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“Let me share my own experience as a CEO of an IT company. We have seen a 20-fold increase in e-commerce projects worldwide as businesses seek our expertise to develop or modernize websites and applications, as well as provide solutions to challenges faced by e-commerce owners and their customers,” he said. “Their sales are increasing, causing demand to modernize websites to improve customer experience and provide additional facilities,” he added.
Syed Taha Magrabi, Director Q-Commerce at FoodPanda Pakistan, highlighted that online supermarkets offer unparalleled convenience, wide variety and seamless accessibility to consumers. With the ability to browse and purchase a wide range of products from the comfort of their homes, shoppers are increasingly drawn to the convenience and efficiency that e-marts provide.
“Our platform has experienced a steady rise in consumer engagement, with an increasing number of users joining us monthly and annually. From 2023, our annual user base has seen double-digit growth, indicating the growing preference for online shopping among consumers,” he said.
“As part of our commitment to improve the online shopping experience, we are constantly exploring new initiatives to benefit our valued consumers. This includes expanding our product categories to cater to diverse preferences and implementing customer-centric policies to ensure a seamless shopping journey,” he added.
IT analyst Mohammad Yasir noted that online shopping stores have seen remarkable growth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both e-commerce markets and online shopping venues have expanded in Pakistan, with well-known brands, grocers and general stores adopting both systematic and random approaches.
He observed that the e-commerce sector continues to demonstrate market demand and viability, with a gradual increase in its market size. However, there remains a large untapped market that market players should target, not through competition, but through coordination and cooperation within the industry.
Challenges
Sellers often face challenges of logistics, inventory management and market competition. Similarly, buyers may experience occasional issues such as delivery delays or product quality concerns. These challenges are actively addressed to ensure customer satisfaction.
In addition, day-long Internet outages can significantly impact business operations, resulting in temporary service interruptions, delayed order processing, and difficulties in maintaining seamless connectivity with customers.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30u2024.
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