Online Shopping in the Age of COVID-19
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, online shopping has never been more important or useful in our daily lives. With governments all over the world shutting down businesses to abide by regulations regarding COVID-19 safety, more people are considering online shopping as there main way of purchasing items.
Digital Commerce 360 correspondent April Berthene reported that 130 days in 2020 exceeded over 2 billion in sales. In contrast, 2019 only experienced two days where online shopping rose over 2 billion in online sales outside of the holiday season. The coronavirus pandemic is credited with ensuing an additional 107 billion.
One major trend that has been attributed to the rise of online shopping in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is the rise of BOPIS, or “buy online, pickup in store” business models. This often comes in the form of curbside pickup. In the past six months, over 67% of Americans have utilized the option to order their products online and then pickup.
In the past, many retail stores have utilized a BOPIS model during the peak of the holiday season. In 2020, this model has grown not only for being convenient, but because it is now a public safety necessity.
BOPIS allows shoppers to use a store’s app or online website to scroll through the store’s entire inventory and make purchases. Typically, orders are ready one to two hours after the order is placed. USA Today reported that curbside pickup has grown amid the COVID-19 pandemic as some shoppers aim to make fewer trips into stores and retailers operate with reduced hours.
Consumers are starting to prefer a BOPIS model because they are able to see their products before taking them home and return them conveniently if something were to be out of place, all while avoiding the additional cost of doorstep shipping fees.
Not only do consumers see the many benefits of using a BOPIS model––many businesses are taking note as well. In fact, Invesp reported that 38% of retailers revealed that they felt that BOPIS was key to bringing shoppers into the store.
Businesses believe that when using the BOPIS model, they are able to have a competitive edge against online giants such as Amazon to market to many younger generations like millennials. By 2021, 90% of retailers are planning to add the option of BOPIS to their business models.
Retailers such as Best Buy, Target, Old Navy and more have now the option to opt for curbside pickup without needing to exit your vehicle. Now, restaurants and grocery stores––such as Whole Foods and Kroger––are also adding a curbside pickup option to their business model.
One question we all may be asking is, “will the BOPIS model survive post coronavirus?” When carried out correctly, the BOPIS model allows for an efficient, cost-effective and safe experience for both consumers and businesses. Many researchers believe that this model will continue to grow even after the pandemic due to factors such as convenience, business profitability, safety measures, innovation in technology and more.
