MARKET - E-Commerce Booms While Retail Remains Flat

On Monday, November 20th, 2017, Business Insider ran the headline: "NOTHING CAN STOP THE SHIFT TO ONLINE SHOPPING"

The article referenced the recent US Department of Commerce report of Q3 sales. The estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $107.0 billion, an increase of 1.9 percent (±0.7%) from the second quarter of 2017. The third quarter 2017 e-commerce estimate increased 15.5 percent (±1.1 %) from the third quarter of 2016 while total retail sales increased 4.0 percent (±0.4%) in the same period. 

E-commerce sales in the third quarter of 2017 accounted for 8.4 percent of total retail sales.

As Business Insider declared, "There is one sector in retail that is seriously booming". Meanwhile, overall retail sales are flat, barely ahead of inflation. Comparing these numbers to statistics for retail and service brands involved in e-commerce transactions shows a problem is rapidly developing. Most brands do not have a strategy or effective tactics to compete with the sector domination of a few large online brands.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
If you do not have an effective plan to support online transactions (e-commerce), get help to determine if that will effect the sustainability of your business. If it turns out e-commerce will disrupt the sustainability of your business, find help to assess if your business can be aligned with one of the dominant online players that will sell and/or fulfill your offerings online (Like Amazon). If that strategy is unavailable, get help to find a strategic partner or an acquirer in your sector. One of the disruptors of your business may find your products, services and clients desirable. Above all else, get good advice and make your moves before you are left on the sidelines. Being on the margins of disruption isn't where you want to be.