Randy Hofbauer, EnsembleIQ
It’s understood that in ecommerce, the grocery channel has been somewhat of a laggard compared with others.
According to New York-based eMarketer.com, computers and consumer electronics are anticipated to make up the No. 1 category in U.S. ecommerce dollar sales between 2012 and 2018, at $108.4 billion, trailed by apparel and accessories ($86 billion) and auto and auto parts ($51.6 billion) at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively. Food and beverages fall at No. 9, with $10.9 billion.
Grocery ordering online for pickup or delivery is anticipated to mature, however. While only 12 percent and 9 percent of North Americans in 2015 reported purchasing groceries online for delivery or pickup, respectively, 55 percent and 57 percent said they’re willing to do the same, respectively, according to “The Future of Grocery,” an April 2015 report from Schaumburg, Ill.-based market researcher Nielsen. Clearly, many are ready to give online grocery shopping a try.
Randy Hofbauer, EnsembleIQ
In the wake of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. s move to acquire Jet.com for $3 billion in cash, along with $300 million of the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer s shares, the burning question on many observers minds is how effectively the pricey deal will enhance the world s largest conventional retailer s position as a competitor of Seattle-based e-commerce leader Amazon.com?
The infusion of an experienced leadership team led by Jet.com s co-founder/CEO Marc Lore, and fellow co-founders Mike Hanrahan and Nate Faust is a foremost victory, notes Mike Elmgreen, CMO of New York-based Handshake, a B2B commerce platform provider. The talent being acquired and [Jet.com s] deep knowledge of e-commerce will be invaluable assets as Walmart attempts to grow its online business to better compete with Amazon,” Elmgreen affirms.