The document discusses the impact of the pandemic on e-commerce trends for 2021, highlighting the challenges faced by physical stores and the evolution of customer expectations. It emphasizes ongoing supply chain disruptions and the need for brands to innovate in raising awareness and engaging consumers. Retailers are urged to diversify their operations to adapt to these dynamic changes.

1. Shama Lalani
TRENDS
2021 ECOMMERCE

2. Shama Lalani
If 2020 were to be summed up in one word, ‘unprecedented’ would
be it. While great strides have been made in developing a vaccine,
dynamic business changes are likely to linger in 2021. For e-commerce
businesses, the following trends might indicate what brand managers
should expect.
The Future of Physical
Stores
Brick-and-mortar shops were
among the hardest hit by the pan-
demic, with mandated store clo-
sures forcing many to shut down.
While some have reopened, many
others have closed permanently,
perhaps indicating the future of
physical locations. With in-store
interactions reducing, physical
stores will be forced to adapt to
new customer demands, includ-
ing unique in-store experiences
and excellent customer service.
2021 eCommerce Trends
If 2020 were to be summed up in
one word, ‘unprecedented’ would
be it. While great strides have
been made in developing a vac-
cine, dynamic business changes
are likely to linger in 2021. For
e-commerce businesses, the fol-
lowing trends might indicate what
brand managers should expect.

3. Shama Lalani
Supply Chain Disruption
Delayed delivery times, product
stock-outs and supply chain strains
were just some of the effects felt by
businesses and consumers due to
the pandemic. Many online retailers
increased their workforces to meet
increased demand, while others al-
tered promotion schedules to cater
to supply chain delays. This disrup-
tion is likely to be witnessed in 2021,
with brands encouraged to diversify
their selling and distribution chan-
nels to minimise the strain.
Brand Awareness
Many consumers around the globe
tried new brands in 2020, making
it vital for marketers to devise new
ways of drawing attention to their
brands and products.
Many consumers
around the globe tried
new brands in 2020,
making it vital for
marketers to devise
new ways of draw-
ing attention to their
brands and products.
Delayed delivery times,
product stock-outs and
supply chain strains
were just some of the
effects felt by business-
es and consumers due
to the pandemic.

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