E-Commerce

Access research reports and presentations on the retail and technology ecosystem, including consumers, companies, economies, and retail and technology trends. Use the filters below to find research reports and presentations by sector, theme, company or other parameters. Alternatively, use the search box above to find relevant research content.

Deep Dive | May 27, 2021 Databank Members

US Consumer Tracker Extra, May 2021: Vaccines Quash Some Pandemic-Driven Behaviors

Aggregating data from our weekly surveys, our new monthly US Consumer Tracker Extra series reveals longer-term trends in consumer behavior. We dive deeper into demographic factors behind changes in spending and social habits and project how these changes will impact the retail landscape over the next few months.

Insight Report | May 25, 2021 Premium

Earnings Insights 1Q21, Week 2: Ross Stores and TJX Post Strong Results, While Kohl’s and Macy’s See a Slower Recovery

Our weekly Earnings Insights reports feature highlights from recent management commentary at major US retailers as they report first-quarter 2021 earnings. This week, there are highlights from companies that reported in the week ended May 23, 2021 (and earlier), including BJ’s Wholesale Club, Home Depot, JD.com, Kohl’s, L Brands, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Ralph Lauren, Ross Stores, Target, TJX and Walmart.

Deep Dive | May 24, 2021 Databank Members

US Consumer Tracker: Spending Plans for Memorial Day Amid Record-Low Avoidance of Public Places

Our latest survey report provides a detailed update on US consumers’ behaviors, concerns and expectations, with a focus on the implications for retail. This week, we discuss consumers’ spending plans for Memorial Day this year. We also present findings on where, how and how much consumers are shopping, as well as consumer avoidance of public places and what activities they have done in the past two weeks.

Insight Report | May 19, 2021 Premium

April 2021 China Retail Sales: Growth Slows but Remains Strong, at 15% Year over Year

We review the latest data for retail sales in China, in total and by sector. In April 2021, sales growth slowed but remained strong, at 15% year over year, against weak pandemic-impacted comparatives from 2020.

Insight Report | May 18, 2021 Premium

Earnings Insights 1Q21, Week 1: Estée Lauder and L’Oréal Report Positive Sales Growth on a Two-Year Basis

Our weekly Earnings Insights reports feature highlights from recent management commentary at major US retailers as they report first-quarter 2021 earnings. This week, there are highlights from companies that reported in the week ended May 16, 2021 (and earlier), including Amazon, Estée Lauder, Grocery Outlet, Guess?, Hanesbrands, L’Oréal, Tractor Supply Company, Wayfair and more, as well as selected REITs.

Insight Report | May 18, 2021 Premium

US Subscription E-Commerce Market: Channel Shifts and Discretionary Rebound Set To Support Growth

The US subscription e-commerce market is set to see strong sales growth in 2021, building on high online shopping demand amid the pandemic in 2020. We discuss our market outlook for 2021, the competitive landscape in US subscription e-commerce and opportunities related to four trends we are watching in the market.

Insight Report | May 17, 2021 Premium

April 2021 US Retail Sales: Confident Consumers and Pent-Up Spending Power Drive Another Strong Month

US retail sales grew by nearly 29% year over year in April 2021, 10 percentage points higher than March’s growth. Using data from the US Census Bureau, this report looks at which retail sectors saw sales surge and which did not do well in April 2021.

Insight Report | May 17, 2021 Databank Members

US Consumer Tracker: Further Steps Taken Toward Resuming Social Activities (Select Findings)

This free report features select findings from our latest survey of US consumers, undertaken on May 10. We discuss respondents’ behaviors and expectations, with a focus on implications for retailers.

Deep Dive | May 17, 2021 Databank Members

US Consumer Tracker: Further Steps Taken Toward Resuming Social Activities (Full Report)

Our latest survey report provides a detailed update on US consumers’ behaviors, concerns and expectations, with a focus on the implications for retail. We present findings on where, how and how much consumers are shopping, as well as consumer avoidance of public places and what activities they have done in the past two weeks. Our consumer survey was undertaken on May 10.

Insight Report | May 13, 2021 Premium

Livestreaming Latest, May 2021: Personalization and Community Building Emerge as Key Trends

Our new Livestreaming Latest series provides regular updates on the variety of approaches in livestreaming e-commerce that are emerging around the world, across different retail sectors. We present recent market developments and discuss three notable trends in the livestreaming space, covering personalization and community building. We also offer examples of recent livestreaming events from retail companies globally.

Insight Report | May 12, 2021 Premium

China Retail Insights: The Rise of Virtual Influencers as an Innovative Marketing Tool

Virtual influencers are a growing phenomenon in China. We explore the evolution of the concept, the different types of virtual influencers, and how brands and retailers can use these digital characters to increase engagement with young consumers in China—including through livestreaming. We present notable examples in the market and consider the benefits and drawbacks of virtual influencers.

Insight Report | May 11, 2021 Premium

Six Months to Singles’ Day: Set 11.11 on Your Retail Calendar

Singles’ Day is the world’s largest online shopping event in terms of GMV, with Chinese e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD.com being the two major players. With six months to go until this year’s event, we discuss the reasons why brands and retailers should set Singles’ Day 2021 in their retail calendar—covering the recent performance of the annual shopping festival, examples of success by international brands, and the actions that brands and retailers can take now to plan for the event.

Company Profile | May 10, 2021 Premium

Vipshop (NYSE: VIPS) Company Profile

Vipshop is a retailer of beauty, electronics, fashion and home products. Headquartered in Guangzhou, the company operates across China.

Deep Dive | May 10, 2021 Databank Members

US Consumer Tracker: Fewer Consumers Are Avoiding Public Transport, Overall Recovery Continues (Full Report)

Our latest survey report provides a detailed update on US consumers’ behaviors, concerns and expectations, with a focus on the implications for retail. We present findings on where, how and how much consumers are shopping, as well as consumer avoidance of public places and what activities they have done in the past two weeks. Our consumer survey was undertaken on May 3.

Insight Report | May 10, 2021 Databank Members

US Consumer Tracker: Fewer Consumers Are Avoiding Public Transport, Overall Recovery Continues (Select Findings)

This free report features select findings from our latest survey of US consumers, undertaken on May 3. We discuss respondents’ behaviors and expectations, with a focus on implications for retailers.