How did the rise of e-commerce impact American retail in 2021?

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant shift in consumer behavior towards e-commerce, which had a profound impact on American retail in 2021. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, many people turned to online shopping as a safer alternative to in-person shopping. This resulted in a surge in online sales, with e-commerce sales in the United States reaching $791.7 billion in 2020, a 32.4% increase compared to the previous year.

The rise of e-commerce had a mixed impact on American retail. While some retailers with strong e-commerce platforms thrived, others struggled to keep up with the sudden shift in consumer behavior. Small businesses, in particular, faced challenges as they lacked the resources to build and maintain their own e-commerce platforms.

Despite the challenges, many retailers recognized the importance of investing in e-commerce and improving their online presence. In response to the increased demand for online shopping, many retailers launched or expanded their e-commerce platforms in 2021. Additionally, retailers also began to explore new ways to integrate their online and offline channels, such as offering buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) options or creating seamless omnichannel experiences.