The Smart Lab: 4 Online Shopping Predictions for 2022

In 2021, the number of online shoppers rose to an estimated 2.14 billion worldwide. This means about 28 percent of the global population now makes purchases this way, at least some of the time. 

Just in the past year alone, there was an increase of 4.4 percent, which adds millions of new buyers to the pool of online shoppers.

The growth of ecommerce has been primarily driven by two factors: internet accessibility and necessity. 

With broadband reaching more and more households and internet speeds increasing every year, accessibility has become less and less of a factor. 

When the pandemic struck and everyone was told to stay home, it quickly became apparent that the internet was no longer an option, it was a necessity. Attending Zoom video calls, ordering groceries and even shopping online became essential activities.

The convenience of ecommerce enables every jewelry buyer to shop from the comfort of their home and choose from several delivery and payment options. Buyers can also explore new jewelry collections, view new styles or check a jewelry store’s business reviews. 

More and more people trust making large purchases online and aren’t afraid to buy something they truly love.

To take advantage of this opportunity, here are four online shopping predictions for 2022 that every jeweler should consider.

1. Rapid Rise of Social Commerce on Instagram
The ability to make purchases directly within Instagram is a game changer. 

People can shop online anytime and discover new jewelry styles as they scroll through their feed. 

As a jeweler, you have the perfect way to showcase your company on social media and help propel people through the purchase journey. 

With social commerce, you can customize and personalize each person’s shopping experience to make it unique to them. Instagram provides you with ready feedback about your audience you can use to immediately grow your business.

2. Importance of Having Additional Payment Options
Every jeweler offers payment by credit card; people expect it. But what other payment options should you consider that’ll help your jewelry website stand out?  

Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Klarna, Affirm and others have been growing steadily over the past few years and consumers have grown to depend on them. Some jewelry buyers will even make their final purchasing decisions based on how they can pay. 

Including more payment options is always a great idea, as this helps to reduce friction with buyers and gives them more reasons to say “yes” to you!

3. Exponential Growth of Live Streaming
Live streaming has become a way of life. Many consumers found live streaming to be fun and entertaining, as they spent hours watching friends, influencers, and celebrities do even the most mundane tasks online. 

Live streaming has also been a major influence on education and has become the new way to learn.

There’s no reason why your jewelry store can’t offer “virtual consultations” with a trusted expert on jewelry repairs, or fashion styling advice. 

Most anything you can do in store, you do online and service your clients before they visit you. 

Try creating a jewelry concierge service and live-stream directly with your clients. They can shop from home, with you!

4. Leveraging the Power of Chatbots
Chatbot usage is increasing every year. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, consumers expect someone to respond to them even if the store where they are shopping is closed.  

Use chatbots to your advantage and capture leads when you’re unavailable.  

You can program your chatbot to answer common jewelry questions, promote your store hours, make special offers and more. No one has to wait for customer service to get back to them. Your chatbot has it covered.

These four trends show that online shopping is no fad; it’s here to stay.  

To compete effectively, your jewelry business needs to always stay abreast of new and emerging opportunities.  

Understanding which trends align with your jewelry store’s vision, goals, and strategy can help you make the most of your digital marketing campaigns.  

Always keep an eye on the future so that when you get there, you’re already prepared. When you know what to expect and act early, your jewelry business can reach new heights you never dreamed possible.