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Traffic in e-commerce sites has spiked by more than 50 percent in the UAE and around the world, as the coronavirus pandemic prompted consumers to flock online to shop.
According to Criteo, a tech firm that works with retailers, internet shopping is expected to rise further during Ramadan, a yearly religious occasion that traditionally sees higher expenditures on food, beverage and holiday gift items.
Within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, online shopping started spiking in the middle of February, with sales of personal care, clothing, shoes, jewellery, as well as kitchen, dining, audio, communications and electronics accessories seeing the highest increase.
“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, consumers have moved online: whether for work, school or shopping,” said Alistair Burton, country manager for MEA at Criteo.
“As most traditional retailers remain closed, we expect this trend to continue during Ramadan, a month that has a significant impact on purchasing and consumption in the region,” Burton added.
Sources in the big box retailing and e-commerce sectors in the UAE had earlier told Zawya that online sales have spiked since February, when the outbreak started in Wuhan, China. The trend was noted even before the UAE government ordered the closure of malls and other commercial establishments in the non-essential category.
“We believe that e-commerce is a hedge in the sense that people no longer want to be in places of large congregations like malls and supermarkets. And they prefer to get their basic supplies online and get them delivered,” Amira Rashad, CEO of Bulkwhiz told Zawya in early March.
The government had ordered residents in the country to stay at home in March as part of precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. Restrictions on mobility have recently been eased, although most people are still staying at home.
Criteo said e-commerce sites have also seen a massive increase in sales of protective gear, fitness, games, outdoor equipment, food and video game consoles since the quarantine period started.
In a recent global survey conducted by the tech firm, it was found that half of the respondents prefer to purchase more online because of coronavirus.
(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)
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