In 2014, New Zealand online shopping patterns changed, reflecting pressure on time felt by consumers, improved logistics, globalisation and smartphone ownership.

• NZ annual online spending is now equivalent to around 9.5% of traditional retail sales (excluding grocery and liquor).

• More and more Kiwis are choosing to shop online at international merchants - around 43% of all online sales.

• The number of international online purchases will be more than domestic online purchases within two years.

• Daily online deals are on the way out, as consumers get tired/bored with them.

• Smartphones are being used more to source and purchase online shopping deals.

To manage and exploit these changes, businesses need to :

• Segment customers - target and treat them well.

• Use payment systems such as Apple Pay.

• Get customers to create content for them - reviews of products for example, which help convert sales.

• Give customers info they can use via their smartphone. eg. QR codes, consumer reviews.

Source: eCommerce.org.nz