An Post has published its annual eCommerce Index, which found taht 40% of online purchases are beauty products.
Highlighting the opportunity that exists for Irish SMEs, other key findings in the report include the fact that 81% of all online purchases were under €100, and subscription services are growing in popularity as almost half of 16–24-year-olds now have one, such as monthly beauty boxes.
The eCommerce Index also noted that convenience (72%) is the key driver for online purchases, and 40% of all online ordering is through retailer social media or marketplace websites and apps.
Meanwhile, the Get Ready for Peak Guide outlines where and how consumers are spending online, their propensity to support Irish businesses and how purchase types vary depending on seasonality.
An Post said that the research shows the opportunity that exists for Irish SMEs to maximise their ecommerce offering during the main selling window from October to December. Over half of consumers (52%) stated they would prefer to support Irish businesses during this period and 32% did not want to pay import charges on products coming from outside Ireland.
A further 56% made purchases around Black Friday and the Christmas period based on an online offer or with a retailer discount code.
“We appreciate the challenges that SMEs and business owners face when it comes to getting their hands on relevant market research and insights,” said Garrett Bridgeman, managing director, COO, An Post Commerce.
“Irish SMEs can capitalise on the strong consumer preference for supporting Irish businesses and by understanding the importance of convenience to shoppers of all ages.”
