A study conducted by JDA shows that 71% of CEOs consider omnichannel fulfillment to be the future of the consumer goods industry. However, only 19% are able to profitably translate this vision into reality.
Why the supply chain is top priority
Findings have shown that consumers are induced to buy when offered seamless shipping, delivery and returns. These are the key factors that drive the growth strategies of e-commerce ventures. Following these findings, fulfillment has gone to the top of retailers’ lists, with merchants investing in transportation and logistics, delivery options, order management, inventory and returns management.
Regular online shoppers want a turbo-charged supply chain
Free shipping remains the most lurid reason, with nine out of ten shoppers claiming that to be the incentive for shopping online. Over time, this has become the singular most powerful objective for retailers over other logistics concerns, even same-day shipping gained brownie points. One-day shipping (69%) and free returns (68%) are also top persuasive factors for shoppers.
Bringing together in-store and online experiences
While e-commerce is obviously an integral part of our lives, studies show that shopping in brick-and-mortar stores remains a clear preference, though some shoppers showed an openness to a blended shopping experience with physical and online shopping.
Although beacons have had a slow start, there is no mistaking that shoppers might be incentivized to the concept of the in-store experience online, virtual reality e-commerce – or v-commerce.
Sluggish adoption of mobile payments
Privacy and security are the key areas where consumers back off in using mobile payment applications. A greater change in consumer behavior is needed to make mobile payment transactions easier and profitable.
In time, consumer behavior and technology will need to be integrated for a more practical approach to e-retail.
