A Conceptual Study on the Impact of Online Shopping Towards Retailers and Consumers

Abstract

In Indian economic system the contribution of the Retail sector up to 10 per cent of GDP is remarkable.A retailer is a merchant or an agent or a business enterprise, whose main business is selling the goods and services directly to consumers through various distribution channels. The inception of Information Technology into business and trade has given birth to a new trend of business through online retailing all over the world. Many companies started retail business through hosting their own websites including large variety of products and services along with attractive offers to the customers. This platform works as a consortium which avails all the goods which are available in petty shops to the big shopping malls. It comprises apparels, shoes, plumbing materials, furniture, jewellery and food items etc. It facilitates the consumers to buy the products according to their need in time without much delay. Thus, as a result E-stores have emerged to meet the demands of large segments of customers. Online shopping has experienced a rapid growth during the recent years due to its flexibility in operations. This study includes analysis about the benefits of online shopping to the consumers, impact of increasing trends, challenges and threats faced by the fixed shop retailers.

Keywords: Retail Sector, Information Technology, Online Retailing & Fixed Shops