How Coronavirus (COVID-19) Is Impacting Ecommerce [December 2020]

 On top of health concerns, brands across the globe are worrying about how coronavirus (COVID-19) will impact ecommerce as a whole.

Ecommerce, B2B, B2C, and brick-and-mortar brands alike are all bracing for the impact that coronavirus will have on their business. In this article, we’ve collected everything your brand needs to know about coronavirus and ecommerce, as well as what you can do to lessen the blow.

Note: Keep coming back to this post as updates on coronavirus and ecommerce continuously roll in. We’ll be adding updates throughout the pandemic to help keep you in-the-know.

12/7 update

Google’s AI team develops program for medical research

The same team that created Google’s search algorithm has created a new deep learning algorithm that will fundamentally transform biology and scientific research.

The DeepMind team’s findings could provide valuable insights for future pandemics or introduce possible benefits for the COVID-19 pandemic like different treatment options, better molecular understanding of how the disease operates and spreads, etc.

According to an article from DeepMind, the program uses artificial intelligence to help predict the shape and properties of a protein, which scientists can use to develop drugs that work with the protein’s unique shape.

The discovery wasn’t expected for several more decades and could help scientists find cures for some of the most complex diseases, including Fibromyalgia, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons.

December 3 update

Cyber Monday + coronavirus impacts

Cyber Monday 2020 was projected to bring more online revenue than ever due to the pandemic. Online spend was slated to increase by as much as 35% to $12.7 billion, which would make it the largest digital sales day ever.

Online sales increased at less than half the projected rate, growing 15.1%. Consumers still spent a record $10.8 billion on Cyber Monday 2020, making it shatter previous online shopping records.

This is a slowdown from Cyber Monday 2019‘s online sales growth, which jumped 19.7% year-over-year to hit $9.4 billion.

Online consumer spend grew the most on Small Business Saturday and Sunday, which saw 30.2% and 23.7% growth respectively year-over-year. The pandemic has fueled consumers’ support for small businesses, which have faced significant struggles this year.

November 30 update

Coronavirus, Black Friday, + Cyber Monday ecommerce stats

COVID-19 safety precautions were the #2 priority for Cyber Week shoppers, with getting a good deal as the #1 priority. (Digital Commerce 360)

61% of adults feel safe going to the store for holiday shopping. (Digital Commerce 360)

Black Friday 2020 foot traffic declined by 52% year-over-year, while Thanksgiving declined 95%. (Bloomberg) Corona test online kaufen

Black Friday brought in $2.4 billion globally from independent & D2C brands, showing consumers’ support for the movement to support small businesses over the pandemic. (Bloomberg)