THE TREND TOWARDS E-COMMERCE HAS JUST BEGUN – 3 OBSERVATIONS Around the world, the penetration of online retailing ranges from 6 – 20% of total retailing, depending on the country. It is highest in countries like China with less bricks and mortar infrastructure, and lowest in countries like Australia with established infrastructure. In Australia, online […]

THE TREND TOWARDS E-COMMERCE HAS JUST BEGUN – 3 OBSERVATIONS Around the world, the penetration of online retailing ranges from 6 – 20% of total retailing, depending on the country. It is highest in countries like China with less bricks and mortar infrastructure, and lowest in countries like Australia with established infrastructure. In Australia, online retailing represents between 6 and 8 percent of total retailing. Estimates suggest, however, that online retail will represent 50% of total retailing within 10 – 15 years. For those not in online retailing, this is a major threat. For those selling online or planning to start in the next 12 months, this is a major opportunity. For those doubters regarding the spread of e-commerce, consider: Some of the fastest growing product sectors are among the most personal, like fashion, and now include all product sectors. Five years ago, no one had even heard of AirBNB…