B2C E-commerce Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (B2C Retailers, Classifieds), By Application (Clothing & Footwear, Media & Entertainment), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global B2C e-commerce market size was valued at USD 3.67 trillion in 2020. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2021 to 2028. The growth can be attributed to the rising disposable income, global per capita income, and expanding internet penetration. The increasing technological adoption accompanied by the easy availability of smartphones has enabled the e-commerce sector to be more reachable and efficient. The increasing use of social networks is further driving the demand for online purchasing of various products and services. The market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period mainly due to growing digital dependency and the convenience of shopping on online platforms. It has evolved amid a busy lifestyle and an overabundance of options available to shop from the comfort of home.

Convenience is the major factor driving the growth of the overall online shopping industry. Customers can find their interested products by visiting the website and gaining additional insights on various products. The market is witnessing a paradigm shift toward m-commerce from e-commerce, as customers increasingly use smartphones to purchase goods and services online. The lack of an organized offline retail sector is also driving growth on a global scale.

The industry is relatively stable and the competitive rivalry continues to be intense due to mergers and acquisitions. Key players in the market for B2C e-commerce include Amazon.com, Inc.; ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED; JD.com, Inc.; Flipkart.com; and PayPal Holdings; Inc. The companies continue to show tremendous growth and attract big investors, in tandem with the global giants, thereby, leveling up the competition. Besides, the companies are distinguishing themselves by providing niche product offerings along with innovative services.

In light of the recent coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, B2C e-commerce platforms experienced a steep demand for essential goods products such as groceries, personal care products, and bathroom essentials. However, in the initial phase (Q1 & Q2), the rising severity of COVID-19 across the globe forced governments across various countries to complete lockdown, thereby disrupting supply chains and impacting e-commerce sales in a negative way. Moreover, U.S. and China-leading contributors to e-commerce growth-have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Type Insights

The B2C retailer's segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 99.4% in 2020 and is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. An increase in mobile transactions and internet banking is expected to drive retailers’ segments over the forecast period. Furthermore, urbanization and smart city development in developing countries have contributed to the westernized lifestyle, which is further changing the shopping pattern from traditional to online. Factors such as ease of doing business due to globalization, potent logistics infrastructure, and high demand across the borders are attributed to the growth.

The classifieds segment accounted for a revenue share of 0.56% in 2020 and is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 11.7% over the forecast period. The growth is attributed to an increase in mobile classifieds advertising, low cost of online advertising, and decreasing the print advertising market. The segment includes multiple classified services for real estate, recruitment, automotive, and matrimony in one place as per users’ requirements.

Application Insights

The clothing and footwear segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 24.71% in 2020 and is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. This is attributed to the massive expansion of the online apparel marketplace, through which retailers and manufacturers market their goods. Shopping through fashion websites is beneficial, including multiple payments and goods options, home delivery, and easy return. The simplified and user-friendly website interface allows easier navigation of various product categories with the help of the search system, thereby increasing the indulgence of the consumer. Apparel websites aided in reducing rush at stores, increasing the reach of retailers, and allowing "shop from anywhere" to the consumer with a hectic work schedule. Additionally, the virtual changing rooms, door-step delivery, and return have further eradicated transportation or traveling trouble while websites remain active 24*7 for shopping.

The consumer electronics segment is anticipated to register a considerable growth rate over the forecast period. The growth is attributed to increasing internet usage and the growing interest of consumers in the new electronics products and trends. Increasing usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and in-app augmented reality is providing customers with the real-time shopping experience of consumer electronics, which contributes significantly to the decision-making process. Similarly, factors such as social media advertising, same-day delivery, and custom packaging are attracting a greater number of customers.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.01% in 2020 and is expected to retain dominance over the forecast period. The region accounts for nearly two-thirds of the global population and economic development-with China and India are at the forefront-remain key regional growth drivers. The growth is attributed to the increasing internet connectivity in second-tier cities & rural areas. The untapped market in this region acts as a popular destination for international brands and web shoppers around the world.

North America and Europe regions are positioned to witness steady growth over the forecast period. North America has one of the highest rates of internet penetration in the world. U.S. consumers are specific about product quality, composition and price, thereby fueling their adoption of foreign brands and products. MEA and Latin America are expected to register considerable growth during the forecast period. The Middle East has a dynamic young population with one of the highest global per capita incomes. In addition to it, expanding internet penetration is driving the rapidly evolving shopping e-commerce industry in the region.

B2C E-commerce Market Share Insights

B2C e-commerce players are involved in strategies such as partnerships, business expansions, new product developments, and contracts to expand their market share. For instance, in March 2018, Amazon.com, Inc. announced a partnership with FICCI, a non-government, not-for-profit organization. The partnership aimed at enabling Indian exporters to expand product sales internationally. Also, both the companies will conduct workshops and training events in India to educate manufacturers and exporters on B2C exports and help them sell products via Amazon Global Selling in international marketplaces. Some prominent players operating in the global B2C e-commerce market include:

• ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED

• Amazon.com, Inc.

• ASOS

• eBay Inc.

• Flipkart Internet Private Limited

• JD.com, Inc.

• MakeMytrip Pvt.Ltd.

• OLX

• PayPal Holdings, Inc.

• Craigslist, Inc.

B2C E-commerce Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2028. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global B2C e-commerce market report based on type, application, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

  • B2C Retailers

  • Classifieds

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

  • Automotive

  • Beauty & Personal Care

  • Books & Stationery

  • Consumer Electronics

  • Clothing & Footwear

  • Home Décor & Electronics

  • Sports & Leisure

  • Travel & Tourism

  • Media & Entertainment

  • Information Technology (Software)

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)