MerchantPro - eCommerce Analysis: Home&Deco, star segment in first 6 months in eCommerce, with more than 30% more orders

 

Analysis by MerchantPro, a local eCommerce SaaS solution platform, based on data from active online stores in 2023 and the first half of 2022, reveals an 8.5% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. In terms of the number of customer orders this year, growth remains moderate (+6%).

According to data analyzed by MerchantPro, the most dynamic market segment is Home&Deco, with a remarkable increase of more than 30% in the number of orders placed. However, the Fashion segment shows a slight decline for the first time in the last 3 years, with a -5% decrease in the number of transactions.

On a general level, the development of eCommerce indicators for active stores on the MerchantPro platform remains moderate. The average value of the order shows a discrete dynamic, which increased by only 1 euro, from 50 EUR in the first 6 months of the previous year to 51 EUR in the first half of 2023.

The upward trend that started at the beginning of 2022, abruptly interrupted by the conflict in Ukraine last spring, resumed during the summer and continued until the beginning of 2023. In January 2023, orders were almost 15% higher than in January 2022. However, after the pressure generated by due to inflation and the expected global recession, growth slowed and even stagnated in April 2023 compared to April 2022.

In the first half of the year, the peak in the number of orders and transaction values ​​was observed in May 2023.

At the platform level, total online sales for the nearly 2,000 stores using MerchantPro, including those activated in the second half of the previous year, increased by 22%.

Analysis by domains: more comfort, less fashion

Romanians' appetite for online shopping as a fast, convenient and secure way of shopping in all categories continues to flourish in 2023. In addition, Romanians still spend a lot of time at home, whether they are working remotely or enjoying some time off. in the comfort of their own home, the demand for Home&Deco products increased significantly during the first 6 months of 2023.

Compared to the same period of the previous year, the Home&Deco segment recorded the highest increase in the number of orders (+33%). The average value of the order reached 100 euros.

"The digitization of consumer habits is becoming more and more evident, even in segments associated with traditional trade. Home&Deco is a good example. In recent years, online transactions in this category have been growing steadily. With just 2-3 clicks, consumers can explore different brands, decor options, compare prices, read reviews, all without having to physically visit stores. Essentially, e-commerce has made the process of purchasing home and decoration products easy, affordable, practical and fast. And in this context, the significant difference lies in the consumer's web experience - solutions optimized for the consumer's needs, from fast loading and product presentations to payment and return options," says Arthur Radulescu (pictured above), CEO of MerchantPro.

In the period from January to June 2023, the number of sporting goods orders remains stable (+6%), while the IT&C segment saw a significant increase of 32% compared to the first 6 months of the previous year.

In the Fashion domain, there was a slight decrease in the number of orders (-5%), but the average order value increased slightly from 32 Euros to 34 Euros.

"Internet marketers have to adapt to more cautious shopping behavior and intense competition. The battle for customers' attention and budget is fierce and, in my opinion, a test of resilience. Entrepreneurs who build their business for the long term stand to gain a lot. The most adept ones focus on improving the user experience for website visitors, which has become more important than ever. The impact of a well-optimized website with fast loading speed is immediately reflected in conversion rates and sales, regardless of domain, and leads to customer retention and loyalty in the long run. Significant investments are made in automation, including the integration and adoption of artificial intelligence solutions, as well as increasing the performance of stores in terms of visitors at the store level.” , said Arthur Radulescu, CEO of MerchantPro.

As a result of this performance-oriented approach, MerchantPro has attracted several new or mature online stores to the platform over the past 12 months, many of which previously used other e-commerce solutions. With the activation of these stores, the total volume of online sales made by merchants on the platform, including those activated in the second half of the previous year, increased by 22%.

"The consolidation of the market has a positive impact on the activity of the platform, as we have attracted new online stores with significant sales volumes," explained Arthur Radulescu.

About MerchantPro

MerchantPro is a project of ShopMania Net, targeting eCommerce entrepreneurs in Romania and Europe, offering competitive eCommerce features, professional support services and personalized solutions tailored to specific development needs.

The MerchantPro platform is widely used regionally with more than 5,000 online stores using its features over 15 years of market presence. In the last two years, MerchantPro has further consolidated its presence in the domestic and international market with almost 2000 active stores in Romania and a constantly growing number of businesses in Western and Southeastern Europe.

Welcome to a comprehensive analysis of MerchantPro's eCommerce Home & Deco segment, which has emerged as a shining star, outperforming other sectors in the first half of the year. With more than 30% increase in orders, this segment has demonstrated significant growth potential and opportunities for businesses in the Home & Deco industry. In this report, we delve into the key factors driving this success, identify the drivers of growth, and offer valuable insights to help businesses capitalize on this trend.

Home & Deco eCommerce boom:

The eCommerce industry has seen steady growth in recent years and the Home & Deco segment has proven to be outstanding in this area. Consumer preferences for online shopping along with changing lifestyles have contributed to increased demand for household products.

Growth promoting factors:

A. Aesthetics and personalization: Consumers' desire to customize and beautify their living spaces has led to increased sales of home decor products. E-commerce platforms offer a wide range of options and allow customers to find products that perfectly match their unique tastes and preferences.

b. Convenience and Accessibility: Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience and allows consumers to research and purchase Home & Deco items from the comfort of their own home. Easy price comparison and access to a wide range of products have attracted more customers to opt for e-commerce.

C. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of eCommerce in various industries and Home & Deco is no exception. As people spent more time at home, there was a surge in demand for home improvement and decoration products, which further fueled the segment's growth.

Marketing and Customer Engagement Strategies:

A. Influencer Marketing: Working with social media influencers and home decor experts has proven to be an effective strategy to reach a wider audience and build trust among potential customers.

b. User Generated Content (UGC): Encouraging customers to share images of their home decor purchases through UGC campaigns promotes a sense of community and authenticity and encourages others to make similar purchases.

C. Seasonal Campaigns: Creating targeted seasonal campaigns around holidays and special occasions has been successful in increasing sales in the Home & Deco segment.

The role of customer reviews and ratings:

Positive reviews and high product ratings have a significant impact on customer decision-making. Incorporating customer feedback and recommendations on product pages can instill confidence in potential buyers and increase conversion rates.

Use of data analysis for statistics:

eCommerce platforms can use data analytics tools to gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, purchasing patterns and demand trends in the Home & Deco segment. This data-driven approach helps businesses optimize their product offerings and marketing strategies for maximum impact.

The Home & Deco eCommerce segment undoubtedly proved to be the star in the first half of the year, with more than 30% more orders than other sectors. Factors such as aesthetics, convenience and the impact of the pandemic contributed to this remarkable growth. To stay ahead in this competitive environment, businesses must adopt effective marketing strategies, leverage customer reviews, and harness the power of data analytics. This allows them to unlock the full potential of this thriving segment and continue to thrive in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry.

In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the remarkable success of the Home & Deco eCommerce segment in the first six months since its inception. MerchantPro, a leading eCommerce platform, has seen unprecedented growth in this segment with a staggering increase in orders of over 30%. This report reveals the key factors contributing to this success and provides businesses with information on how to capitalize on this booming trend.

The growing popularity of Home & Deco:

The Home & Deco segment has become a star in the eCommerce industry, enthralling consumers with its diverse range of products. The growing focus on creating aesthetically pleasing living spaces has created a demand for home decor, furniture and lifestyle products. MerchantPro data highlights a significant increase in consumer interest, making Home & Deco the best-selling category in the first six months.

Shift in consumer behavior:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected consumer behavior, leading to an increase in online shopping. With more time spent at home, consumers have been looking for ways to improve their living space and create a comfortable environment. The Home & Deco segment was the main beneficiary of this shift, attracting a broad customer base and leading to an increase in orders.

Product diversification and curation:

MerchantPro's strategic focus on product diversification and curation has played a key role in the success of the Home & Deco segment. The platform offers a wide range of high-quality and trendy products to satisfy different customer preferences. A seamless user experience and personalized recommendations further contributed to increased customer engagement and conversion rates.

Biased Visual Content and Marketing:

Effective marketing strategies coupled with eye-catching visual content were instrumental in capturing the attention of customers. MerchantPro's well-edited product images, 360-degree views, and inspirational lifestyle images have successfully influenced purchasing decisions. In addition, the platform's social media campaigns and influencer partnerships effectively boosted brand awareness, leading to an increase in orders.

User-friendly interface and customer support:

A user-friendly interface and exceptional customer support were key to driving customer loyalty and repeat purchases. MerchantPro's intuitive website design, seamless navigation and secure payment options have instilled consumer confidence and encouraged them to make frequent purchases in the Home & Deco segment.

Adoption of technological progress:

MerchantPro's proactive approach to embracing technological advances has been a key differentiator. By adopting AI-powered chatbots, personalized shopping recommendations and data-driven analytics, the platform provides a seamless and personalized shopping experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The Home & Deco segment's outstanding performance in the first six months on MerchantPro's eCommerce platform can be attributed to several factors, including changing consumer behavior, product diversification, engaging marketing strategies, user-friendly interface and the use of cutting-edge technology. As the e-commerce industry continues to evolve, businesses can learn from this analysis and adapt their strategies to take advantage of the vast potential of the home.

In the rapidly developing world of eCommerce, the Home & Deco segment has emerged as a shining star, attracting significant market attention and witnessing remarkable growth. In this analysis, we dive into the success story of Home & Deco in the first six months of eCommerce and reveal its exceptional performance with more than 30% increase in orders. Join us as we explore the factors behind its popularity and uncover the opportunities it offers merchants - welcome to MerchantPro!

1 Rise of Home & Deco in eCommerce:

The Home & Deco segment experienced an unprecedented increase in demand during the first six months of eCommerce operation. As consumers prioritize comfort and aesthetics in their living spaces, this category has emerged as the best choice. With a captivating range of products, from trendy furniture to stylish decorative items, it has quickly become the go-to destination for modern shoppers looking to elevate their homes.

2. Factors contributing to the success of Home & Deco:

A. Design Trends: Home & Deco retailers have been quick to respond to ever-changing design trends and stay ahead of the curve with contemporary offerings that resonate with consumer preferences. This responsiveness played a key role in acquiring and retaining customers.

B. User Experience (UX): Successful Home & Deco eCommerce platforms favor intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Seamless navigation, high-quality product images and detailed descriptions enhance the shopping experience and foster customer loyalty.

C. Social Media Expansion: Using social media platforms as powerful marketing tools, Home & Deco marketers have created visually appealing campaigns that have generated significant interest and word of mouth referrals. This organic growth has contributed significantly to the popularity of the segment.

3. Customization:

Home & Deco marketers have recognized the importance of personalization in customer engagement. By analyzing customer preferences and purchase history, they tailor product recommendations, promotions and discounts, leading to higher conversion rates and higher customer satisfaction.

4. Use of sustainable and ethical consumerism:

In today's eCommerce environment, consumers are increasingly inclined towards sustainable and ethical products. Home & Deco retailers have responded by offering environmentally friendly and ethically sourced items, benefiting from the growing demand for conscious consumerism.

5. Optimizing SEO strategies for Home & Deco merchants:

A. Keyword Research: Conduct in-depth keyword research to identify relevant high traffic keywords related to Home & Deco products. Include these keywords naturally in product titles, descriptions, and meta tags to improve search engine visibility.

B. Unique Product Descriptions: Create unique and compelling product descriptions that highlight the features, benefits and emotional appeal of Home & Deco products. Avoid duplicate content to avoid potential SEO penalties.

C. Image Optimization: Optimize product images by using descriptive alt text and reducing file sizes for faster loading. Well-optimized images contribute to better user experience and search engine rankings.

D. Mobile-Friendly Website: Ensure your e-commerce platform is fully optimized for mobile devices, as a significant proportion of shoppers access Home & Deco stores via smartphones and tablets.

The Home & Deco segment was a game-changer in the first six months of eCommerce, capturing the hearts of consumers and witnessing a remarkable increase in orders, outperforming other categories by more than 30%. The segment's success can be attributed to its ability to stay on top of design trends, deliver superior user experiences, and harness the power of social media and personalization. As Home & Deco merchants continue to embrace sustainability and refine their SEO strategies, they can look forward to even greater growth and opportunity in the booming world of eCommerce. As an aspiring MerchantPro, make sure you use the insights provided here to thrive in the Home & Deco market.