44. eCommerce trends to watch out for in 2021 in Southeast Asia

In 2020, the eCommerce industry in Southeast Asia experienced a major boom as online shopping became the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we head into 2021, there are several eCommerce trends to keep an eye on in the region.

Firstly, the rise of social commerce is expected to continue. Southeast Asians are some of the most active social media users in the world, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok having large user bases in the region. As a result, many online retailers are leveraging social media to reach potential customers and drive sales. Social commerce is expected to grow even more in 2021, as social media platforms continue to add more eCommerce features and retailers become more adept at selling on these channels.

Secondly, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in eCommerce is expected to increase. AI and ML can be used to personalize the shopping experience, improve product recommendations, and automate certain tasks, making online shopping more efficient and convenient for customers. Many retailers in Southeast Asia are already using these technologies, and their use is expected to become even more widespread in 2021.

Thirdly, the demand for sustainable and ethically-sourced products is expected to rise. Consumers in Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their purchases, and they are looking for products that are sustainable and ethically produced. As a result, many eCommerce retailers are starting to offer these types of products, and this trend is expected to continue in 2021.

Fourthly, the adoption of mobile payments is expected to accelerate. In Southeast Asia, many people do not have access to traditional banking services, but they do have access to mobile phones. This has led to the rise of mobile payment solutions like GrabPay, GoPay, and Ovo. As more people in the region become comfortable with using mobile payments, eCommerce retailers are likely to prioritize mobile payment options to make online shopping more accessible.

Finally, the use of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) in eCommerce is expected to increase. VR/AR can be used to create immersive shopping experiences, allowing customers to visualize products before making a purchase. In Southeast Asia, where many people are shopping online for the first time, VR/AR could play an important role in building trust and improving the overall shopping experience.

In conclusion, there are several eCommerce trends to watch out for in Southeast Asia in 2021. From the rise of social commerce to the adoption of mobile payments and the use of VR/AR, these trends are likely to shape the future of the eCommerce industry in the region. As retailers continue to adapt to the changing landscape, they will need to be proactive in adopting these trends to stay competitive in the market.