BEIJING -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --
The past year saw a surge in eCommerce revenues worldwide and, according to a new Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq:FORR) global eCommerce report, 2014 will be no different. Over the next year, Forrester expects eCommerce revenues to grow as more brands plan out their global road maps and start to execute on their international eCommerce strategies. Shoppers' online buying habits will continue to evolve, presenting new opportunities.
In the new report, Forrester discusses the arrival and importance of several eCommerce and identifies eight trends that will gain momentum in the Age of the customer in 2014. Here are the top 5 trends to watch out for:
1. Mobile traffic and sales will continue to climb. In 2014, the percentage of traffic and total online orders placed via mobile devices are set to increase in virtually every market worldwide, and Forrester expects that a growing number of brands will launch new mobile websites and apps in response.
2. Brands will increasingly look to marketplaces to sell online. In 2014, Forrester believes that brands will continue to migrate to marketplaces to expand their online presence and to realize relatively quick (if sometimes low-margin) revenue growth. In China, for example, marketplaces like Tmall have become an entry point for many brands.
3. Retailers will need to plan for key online shopping dates everywhere in the world. US and European brands expanding into new global markets will increasingly have to plan for key eCommerce-related dates overseas just as they have in their home markets. In 2013, for example, Singles' Day in China saw some $5.7 billion in online sales.
4. New market entry will be easier as vendors and retailers roll out new offerings for brands. Going forward, an increasing number of players will aim to serve as a single point of contact for brands as they expand into new global markets.
5. Profitability in global markets will remain elusive for many. Finally, in 2014, many brands that expand internationally — especially those that launch direct-to-consumer websites — will still struggle to reach profitability.
For more information about this research, visit the eBusiness & Channel Strategy blog here.
About Forrester Research
Forrester Research (Nasdaq: FORR) is a global research and advisory firm serving professionals in 13 key roles across three distinct client segments. Our clients face progressively complex business and technology decisions every day. To help them understand, strategize, and act upon opportunities brought by change, Forrester provides proprietary research, consumer and business data, custom consulting, events and online communities, and peer-to-peer executive programs. We guide leaders in business technology, marketing and strategy, and the technology industry through independent fact-based insight, ensuring their business success today and tomorrow. Visit www.forrester.com.
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