eCommerce is the buying and selling of goods online. eCommerce enables sellers to expand the customer reach, and earn more. It is a part of a broader digital strategy. E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, has emerged as a revolutionary force in the retail landscape, reshaping the way businesses connect with consumers and altering the very nature of shopping. Enabled by the power of the internet, e-commerce has transcended geographical boundaries, enabling seamless transactions, personalized experiences, and unprecedented convenience.

From a customer's standpoint, this offers immense convenience, allowing them to make purchases from the comfort of their home or office at their preferred time, thereby expediting the purchasing process. The true genesis of modern e-commerce as we recognize it today occurred in the 1990s, marked by the launch of Amazon and eBay. These trailblazers unveiled the potential of online product sales, triggering a revolutionary shift both technologically and culturally. The proliferation of secure payment gateways, enhanced logistics, and the ascent of mobile devices further hastened the progress of e-commerce. The e-commerce landscape experienced a notable surge during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdown measures compelled individuals to turn to online shopping. Online transactions surged by approximately 20%, and this figure is projected to reach 25% globally by 2025. Businesses, particularly large retailers, that had heavily invested in infrastructure, technology, and capabilities, reaped substantial benefits from this surge. However, while the opportunity for smaller enterprises, medium-sized businesses, brand manufacturers, and the like is considerable, their share of revenue from this trend remained relatively modest.

Every type of business, whether it's a large retailer, a Business to Business (B2B) entity, or a Direct to Consumer (D2C) model, possesses a substantial opportunity to harness and expand their operations through e-commerce. However, each of these businesses will encounter distinct and individual challenges that need to be addressed.

According to a study conducted by McKinsey®, there is a set of considerations that businesses should address for the betterment of their individual operations.

• Synchronization between technology, sales, and operations
• Platform with right architecture that enables scaling
• Building business model with right economics from long term perspective
• Independence and dedicated focus on Core business and eCommerce
• Investment on eCommerce business with right operational processes and structure
• Continuous learning and adaptation
• Ownership assignment
• Omnichannel supply chain actions
• Performance evaluation – Right metrics
• Marketing strategy

The study forecasts new ways to reach consumers will emerge, competition for marketing and trade dollars will increase and personalization and precision targeting will become top priorities.