e-Commerce Industry: Market Research Reports, Statistics and Analysis

Key Market Segments

The world online retail market expanded by almost 18% in 2010 to reach close to $435 billion reports MarketLine. The market is expected to record 90% growth by 2015 to exceed $827 billion. Electronics represent the leading market segment, with almost a 24% share in terms of value. The Americas hold a 41% stake in the world online retail market.

The online grocery market continues to expand as consumers subscribing to home-shopping extend their online activity to a growing number of areas, including the convenience of grocery shopping on the internet. The trend toward online grocery shopping is particularly strong in developed nations like the US and the UK. According to research from private firm Key Note, the UK internet grocery market will record high yearly until 2013, and the overall market will at least double by then as compared to 2008.

Online grocery shopping is one of the fastest-growing segments within the grocery market, allowing shoppers to access a huge array of products online, compare product prices and schedule home delivery. Online outfits are rolling out this segment of their business by developing their websites, boosting stock availability and elaborating their distribution networks. Within the context of the economic downturn, online grocers are forced to compete on price as consumers can compare prices with the click of a button.

Regional Market Share

• The US online retail market generated almost $153 billion in revenue in 2010, reports MarketLine. The market is expected to record yearly growth of close to 11% between 2010 and 2015, when it is expected to reach almost $252 billion. Electronics is the leading market segment, generating almost $36 billion in 2010, which represents more than 23% of the overall market in terms of value.

• The EU online retail market generated close to $163 billion 2010, reports MarketLine. Market growth is expected to slow to a yearly rate of just over 14% between 2010 and 2015 to exceed $316 billion by the end of that five-year period. Electronics is the leading market segment, generating just over $41 billion in 2010, which represents more than 25% of the overall market in terms of value.

• The online retail market in the Asia-Pacific region generated almost $81 billion in 2010, reports MarketLine. Market growth is expected to slow to a yearly rate of over 15% between 2010 and 2015, when it should exceed $170 billion. Electronics is the leading market segment, generating almost $17 billion in 2010, or close to 21% of the overall market in terms of value.

Industry Leaders

• Leading players operating in the global e-commerce industry include: Groupon, eBay and Amazon. There are hundreds of actors within the B2B and B2C e-commerce market.

Market Outlook

The global e-commerce market is set to continue showing strong growth due to the convenience factor. With widespread internet penetration and a growing trend toward reliance on online options, consumers are increasingly in the habit of carrying out a growing number of activities online, from social networking to shopping.

The growing consumer base for mobile devices means that people are more and more accustomed to accessing the internet from anywhere and at any time, be it to purchase goods and services or to use online content. Making consumers aware of the safety of mobile payment will be an important factor for e-commerce market growth moving forward.

Leading Industry Associations

• American E-Commerce Association www.aeaus.com  
• E-Commerce Merchants Trade Association www.ecmta.org
• European E-Commerce and Mail Order Association www.emota.eu
• Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance www.paa.net
• E-Commerce Asia Association http://ecaa.jp
• E-Commerce Alliance of Singapore www.ecommerce.org.sg
• Maritime E-Commerce Association (UK) www.meca.org.uk
• Interactive Media in Retail Group (UK) www.imrg.org