Sitecore the global leader in digital experience management software, announced today that 82% of customers in Egypt have become digital converts since the pandemic and want to keep buying everything online.
The research, conducted by YouGov MENA, surveyed more than 650 IT decision-makers across 12 countries in the Gulf Co-operation Council, the Levant, and Egypt.
Boosted by the stay-at-home economy of Covid-19, the Middle East’s e-commerce market reached $12.1 billion in 2020, representing 53.8% year-over-year growth, according to a recent report by MarketLine. Electronics and retail accounted for $5.2 billion or 42.5% of the total market.
As e-commerce continues to grow, customers are placing greater emphasis on the customer experience. Since the pandemic, 90% of Egyptian IT decision-makers said their customers will navigate away from a site and choose an alternative if they can’t find what they need in just a few clicks. Furthermore, 86% of Egyptian respondents agreed that their customers have less patience with slow or poorly functioning websites.
“With 82 per cent of Egyptian customers being digital converts to e-commerce, the country is seeing a rapid transition from bricks and mortar stores to hybrid and e-commerce models,” said Mohammed Alkhotani, Area Vice President – Middle East and Africa, Sitecore. “Millennials and Generation Z customers have quickly shifted their significant spending power online. Pressure will continue to mount on retailers until they can deliver an experience that delights.”
Brands in Egypt are taking a variety of actions to improve the shopping experience. The majority, 60%, ranked an online app or website that works well on mobile devices as among their top three choices.
“Brand loyalty has evaporated and there is no margin for error from browsing through to delivery,” added Mohammed Alkhotani. “Brands in Egypt are already ahead of the curve in prioritising mobile apps and websites to personalise online experiences.”
