Online Shopping Reaches Mainstream Status

Online shopping in Pakistan has reached a tipping point, according to research.

The research firm said online shopping reached mainstream status for the first time in the first quarter of this year, with Pakistani who doesn’t make purchases online in the minority.

Around $24.3 billion was spent online by Pakistani aged over 14 years in the 12 months to March 2013. This was an 11.9 % increase on the year earlier and total online retail sales increased 3.4%. Pakistani spends an average of $285 online every four weeks, with 23 per cent of online shoppers less likely to go to physical stores, compared to 10 per cent a decade ago and technology is impacting on consumer habits and attitudes.

“The Internet continues to transform Pakistan’s shopping habits,

More people shop online,

They spend more,

They buy products across more categories,

And they visit stores less often.

But despite the significant growth, security and trust are still unresolved issues for online retailing. 56% of all Pakistanis do not feel comfortable giving their credit card details online.

Even among those who have bought online in an average three month period, nearly two thirds say they only buy from retailers they know and one fifth only buy from local retailers.

Smartphones may instead prove to be a way for traditional retailers to encourage android consumers back into their stores. Imagine the shopping centre’s app that directs visitors to the store and the store’s app that lists what’s in stock and provides exclusive offers. This is coming – and soon.”