.IE and Retail Excellence Web Health Report

E-commerce growth in Ireland has been accelerated by Covid. Digital ease and convenience make online shopping an attractive option for many. Th e .IE Tipping Point Report 2022 shows that consumers value the flexibility of hybrid shopping. Online shopping carts enable businesses to sell online. Eurostat , states that 30% of Irish businesses with more than 10 employees, sell to consumers online. It is encouraging to see that nearly 50% of REI members have cart functionality on their website. Opticians and Tourism businesses have the lowest levels of cart adoption – both under 20%. Top 5 categories using Cart % adoption n E-commerce Key takeaway An omni-channel sales strategy, where online and in-store complement each other, can contribute to scaling a business. It is important that retail websites have the functionality and tools in place to create a seamless customer experience. 46% of REI members have cart functionality on their website 41% of REI members use a recognised e-comm provider Homeware, Giftware Telecoms Garden Books, Music, Stationery, Toys, Games Health, Beauty 79% 75% 68% 67% 67% Homeware, Giftware Department Store Telecoms Books, Music, Stationery, Toys, Games Café 43% 27% 25% 24% 19% A recognised e-commerce provider is one that also provides automated booking or reservations functions. Of these, Shopify is the most popular (42%) followed by WooCommerce (24%) and Magento (18%). Medium-sized businesses have the highest levels of adoption. Jewellery, DIY | Garden and Tourism businesses do not use e-commerce providers to the same extent – all under 20%. There was evidence of a fulfilment carrier / provider in 11% of websites overall, with the Homeware | Giftware category leading the way. Top 5 categories using Fulfilment provider % adoption n Company size Cart 0-20 21-100 101-250 251-600 600+ 41% 64% 53% 50% 38% Company size e-commerce provider 0-20 21-100 101-250 251-600 600+ 39% 52% 42% 31% 25% 10