E-Commerce Websites: Why ALL Businesses Need Them

Today's marketplace is decidedly digital, with the majority of businesses having at least some internet presence. There is, however, a small but significant minority who have not yet extended their reach into the online arena and this edition of the Brickweb blog has been written especially for them. It will tell you why you need an e-commerce website and how to pick the best e-commerce development company for the job.

It is not only SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) who have not yet taken the leap and gone digital; some big-name companies are also late to the party. One example is clothing superstore Primark, who reported finanical losses totalling almost £1 billion due to its stores not being able to open during COVID-19 lockdowns and the chain not offering online purchasing facilities. Primark has recently announced that it will be introducing a click-and-collect service in time for Christmas this year in a trial which will see it offer around 2,000 items from 25 stores in the north west. 

Data from Oberlo suggests that almost 21% of global retail sales will be made through e-commerce websites next year. This figure is set to rise sharply to 24% in 2026. The trend for e-commerce to continually rise will continue, meaning that companies without an e-commerce website will miss out on more and more custom as the years go by, which could have devastating, even fatal, effects on their business.

Studies by Big Commerce have shown that, predictably, Millennials and Gen Z spend the most time shopping online every week at around six hours. This, however, certainly doesn't mean that older generations are not making the move to digital as well, in ever-increasing numbers. The study showed that 28% of seniors, 41% of boomers and 56% of Gen X preferred shopping online to shopping in brick-and-mortar stores. 

E-commerce websites open up a massive, unprecedented audience for any business, allowing them to provide service 24 hours a day on a global scale. Couple this with the huge array of new customers that can be sourced and engaged via social media and you have a recipe for lasting success.

When selecting a web developer to work with, you are literally spoiled for choice. Key features you should look out for are a wealth of experience, a willingness and ability to innovate and a proven track record of success. Brickweb, Lancashire's premier web development company, has all of these and much more besides. 

Creating and maintaining state-of-the-art e-commerce websites is a Brickweb speciality. We'd like to invite you to browse our website to discover all of the benefits of working with out e-commerce development company and to visit some of the current websites we have created. For more information and to discuss the unique requirements of your business, please get in touch with a member of our dedicated customer service team.