Inflation was the leading issue plaguing the online shopping experience of global consumers in 2023. Nearly sixty percent of consumers surveyed worldwide in February that year reported rising prices for household goods was the issue having the greatest impact on them while shopping online. In addition, nearly a quarter reported being unable to purchase a product due to it being out of stock.
E-commerce in times of stagflation
As the global economy still reeled from the macroeconomic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war dealt a further blow to worldwide trade. Along with record food inflation, an unprecedented wave of layoffs in tech companies brought the pandemic-induced e-commerce boom to a halt. While online retail sales growth reached a peak of 25.7 percent in 2020, this figure was forecast to slow to 9.7 percent in 2022.
Impact of inflation on consumer behavior
As of January 2023, the European Union hit a double-digit inflation rate and consumers have had to adjust their purchasing behavior accordingly. Discretionary sectors such as clothing and consumer electronics were the most affected, with almost 50 percent of global consumers reporting they have either stopped or reduced their purchases of clothing, shoes, and accessories in response to rising prices.
Main issues impacting consumers' online shopping experience worldwide in 2023
Characteristic
Share of respondents
Rising prices for household goods
59%
Unable to purchase a product due to it being out of stock
24%
A product taking longer to be delivered than anticipated
have shopped online at least once in the previous year
Method of interview
Online survey
Supplementary notes
This question was phrased by the source as follows: "Which of these issues is having the greatest impact on you when shopping?"
Showing answers only from respondents answering 'frequently' or 'almost always'.
The exact date the survey was conducted is not mentioned.
Consumers polled across 25 territories: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States and Vietnam.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
PwC. (February 16, 2023). Main issues impacting consumers' online shopping experience worldwide in 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1325770/main-issues-for-e-shoppers-worldwide/
PwC. "Main issues impacting consumers' online shopping experience worldwide in 2023." Chart. February 16, 2023. Statista. Accessed October 31, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1325770/main-issues-for-e-shoppers-worldwide/
PwC. (2023). Main issues impacting consumers' online shopping experience worldwide in 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 31, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1325770/main-issues-for-e-shoppers-worldwide/
PwC. "Main Issues Impacting Consumers' Online Shopping Experience Worldwide in 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 16 Feb 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1325770/main-issues-for-e-shoppers-worldwide/
PwC, Main issues impacting consumers' online shopping experience worldwide in 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1325770/main-issues-for-e-shoppers-worldwide/ (last visited October 31, 2024)
Main issues impacting consumers' online shopping experience worldwide in 2023 [Graph], PwC, February 16, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1325770/main-issues-for-e-shoppers-worldwide/