By Cadys Wang    Photo：CANVA

The Evolution of Shopping in the Digital Age

Here is an example of shopping in Taiwan: When you go shopping, even on this small island, you need to spend time traveling to the store, and that includes factoring in parking expenses and the time you spend waiting in line. Additionally, when shopping in-store, you have to carry the products with you, and the more you buy, the heavier the bags become. However, shopping online is a different experience, and it eliminates these hassles entirely. With just a click, you can add items to your cart and have them delivered to your doorstep. As a result, more people prefer to shop online to save time, money, and energy.

The Impact on Traditional Shopping Seasons

This shift has fundamentally altered the retail landscape, particularly during key shopping events like Black Friday. Traditionally the busiest shopping day in the United States, Black Friday kicks off the Christmas shopping season the day after Thanksgiving. However, the rise of e-commerce has reshaped its dynamics.

Black Friday’s Record-Breaking Digital Sales

According to Adobe Analytics, Black Friday sales reached $686.3 million this year. The report noted that mobile shopping accounted for an impressive 79.3% of total sales compared to desktop shopping. “Crossing the $10 billion mark is a significant milestone for e-commerce on Black Friday, a day that has historically leaned more towards in-store shopping,” said Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, in an email.

Cyber Monday’s Declining Relevance

This shift indicates that Cyber Monday is becoming less significant, as shoppers now predominantly start their holiday shopping on Black Friday through digital channels.

The Emergence of "Cyber Friday”

With online shopping becoming the preferred method, retailers are adapting their strategies to focus more on digital sales throughout the entire holiday season, effectively merging Black Friday and Cyber Monday into one extended "Cyber Friday" shopping event. This evolution reflects the modern consumer's preference for convenience and digital accessibility.

Impact on the Shipping Industry

The rise in online shopping has posed challenges for logistics and shipping, such as higher cargo volumes, last-mile delivery issues, labor shortages, and rising fuel costs. To address these, shipping companies are investing in automation, digital tracking systems, and expanding warehouses. Those that adapt quickly will gain a competitive edge in the e-commerce boom.

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