Global online sales rise 28%

Global e-commerce sales rose 28% in June 2020, compared to the same period last year, indicated ACI Worldwide that powers electronic payments. This is the largest year-over-year (YOY) increase in online sales since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place in March.

The purchase volume for June increased 31% compared to the same month in 2019, but purchase value decreased by 3%. Purchase volume increased in all regions, with the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region having the highest increase of 39%, followed by 35% in the US, 25% in Asia-Pacific and 20% in the UK.

Also read: COVID-19 accelerates changes in UAE’s e-commerce

Online transactions from global merchants also showed a continued increase, 117%, in athletic, footwear and sporting goods sales. Outdoor equipment was among the most popular purchase categories with an increase of 10% in June compared to 8% in May. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and do-it-yourself (DIY) items also continued to be among the most popular purchases in June.

“E-commerce growth remains strong even as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are being eased, suggesting a possible behavioural shift with consumers young and old around the world as they embrace the convenience of online shopping. In fact, more consumers representing older generations who have traditionally preferred purchasing at brick-and-mortar stores are finding online shopping to be the new norm,” said Debbie Guerra, executive vice president, ACI Worldwide. “Additionally, as the easing of restrictions coincides with the summer holiday season across much of the globe, numerous merchants are seeing a higher percentage of outdoor goods being purchased as compared to this time last year.”

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