\u201c[Summer 2020] has really pushed ecommerce adoption 10 years in the future. We\u2019re actually at 2030 levels from where we believed ecommerce was going to grow.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n– Steve Hutt, Shopify<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n For distributors and direct-to-consumer brands alike, there is a massive push to develop a stronger digital presence. Physical stores have struggled in the face of COVID-19<\/a> and a tech-savvy consumer base. But the good news is that the demand for online shopping leaves plenty of room for new brands to join the digital space by switching from brick-and-mortar to ecommerce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ecommerce is a subcategory of retail that empowers shoppers to complete purchases online rather than having to visit stores in-person.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n B2B and B2C brands are adopting ecommerce at a rapid rate since its inception in the 1990s. The last five years in particular demonstrate one of the largest supply-demand shifts<\/a> in history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ecommerce also energizes several other closely-related retail trends, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The chief benefit of running an online store over a physical store is your ability to market and sell your products at a considerably lower cost<\/em><\/strong>. Brick-and-mortar stores require enormous overhead to maintain. By contrast, you can scale your brand far more easily and affordably online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The digital capabilities of ecommerce software also make it easier for your customers to use different payment methods<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online stores integrate remarkably well with countless marketing channels<\/em><\/strong> that allow you to reach laser-specific audience segments, personalize messages\/products\/services, and earn viral word-of-mouth marketing on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because you don\u2019t need people \u201cmanning\u201d your online storefront, ecommerce is open at all times for shoppers to view your items and complete a purchase<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, ecommerce platforms allow retailers to use data to better serve their customers<\/em><\/strong>. Visitor activity and buying trends can provide insights on about your ideal customers – their preferences, needs, and frustrations. You can then leverage these insights to build meaningful relationships with prospects and personalize your products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a direct-to-consumer brand, you enjoy additional benefits over other retailers. Traditional retail requires brands to employ several middleman agencies to maintain their business model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n DTC brands have far more control over their supply chain and sales channels. They don\u2019t have to pay middleman agencies, and as a result, they can allocate those funds to connect with consumers directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is ecommerce?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the benefits of an online store?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/grin.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/ecommerce-desktop.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy is ecommerce perfect for DTC brands?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Traditional](\"https:\/\/grin.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Traditional-Retail-vs-Directo-to-Consumer-Desktop-1.webp\")