Synopsis
E-Commerce has become a very important area of focus for Internet media players, financial institutions and payment processing firms alike. While popular sites like Amazon and eBay are well known; social media models such as Facebook Credits and Pinterest may also offer future e-commerce opportunities. Governing bodies are also recognising the importance of this sector – in early 2012 the European Commission (EC) outlined 5 priority areas it wanted to improve in order to increase e-commerce growth and its contribution to the GDP.
The following report includes industry insights and information on the e-commerce sectors. The report includes selected information on the leading trends in this sector and provides examples and statistics, where available. Please note a separate report is available on the global m-commerce sector and is titled: Digital Economy – M-Commerce Insights.
Key developments:
In 2013 Google launched a B2B e-commerce search service, expanding upon its initial Google Shopping offering. In early 2012 the European Commission (EC) announced its goal by 2012 is to double e-commerce sales in order to increase the Internet contribution to the GDP; Retailers have been slow to tap into the new opportunities emerging from the new practice of customers bringing online devices into their stores; Online banking continues to grow in popularity with North American users the most prolific.
