The convergence between online media and offline shopping seems to have reached maturity. A new study conducted by BIA/Kelsey and ConStat has revealed that over 97% of people used online media to conduct their search for local goods and subsequent purchases.
This number isn’t particularly surprising but nonetheless very refreshing. It shows if anything that the desire to spend locally is still high on the priorities of people and bodes well for local economies going forward. Of course, local shopping suggests that the bulk of these purchases are around things like food and local services. Where things like consumer electronics and white goods are concerned, people still prefer the convenience with shopping with online retailers like Amazon. In fact, the Walmart’s and BestBuy’s of this world have sought to conquer both sides of the divide, operating both locally and online.
In a wider sense too, this loyalty to local shops and service providers, helps the online economy to grow at the Small and Medium Enterprise level. Local mom and pops perhaps will now see the rationale in hiring a webmaster to build a website, getting some SEO done or even some PPC.
All in all, ecommerce has a bright future, and as long as local businesses continue to deliver value, the convergence will be maintained for years to come.
Do you use online media to make your local purchase decisions? Share your experience in the comments below.
Source: http://www.sitetrail.com/2011/11/25/97-of-consumers-use-the-internet-to-shop-locally/
This number isn’t particularly surprising but nonetheless very refreshing. It shows if anything that the desire to spend locally is still high on the priorities of people and bodes well for local economies going forward. Of course, local shopping suggests that the bulk of these purchases are around things like food and local services. Where things like consumer electronics and white goods are concerned, people still prefer the convenience with shopping with online retailers like Amazon. In fact, the Walmart’s and BestBuy’s of this world have sought to conquer both sides of the divide, operating both locally and online.In a wider sense too, this loyalty to local shops and service providers, helps the online economy to grow at the Small and Medium Enterprise level. Local mom and pops perhaps will now see the rationale in hiring a webmaster to build a website, getting some SEO done or even some PPC.
All in all, ecommerce has a bright future, and as long as local businesses continue to deliver value, the convergence will be maintained for years to come.
Do you use online media to make your local purchase decisions? Share your experience in the comments below.
Source: http://www.sitetrail.com/2011/11/25/97-of-consumers-use-the-internet-to-shop-locally/