Fast facts:

eCommerce in the United States of America

Being the world’s largest economy, the United States of America also holds the coveted position of being the second-largest eCommerce market in the world (only second to China).

The United Kingdom has always shared great trade and economic ties with our friends across the pond. In fact, the UK is the USA’s 7th largest goods trading partner, and as of 2019, the 8th largest supplier of goods imports. (ustr.gov)

Post-brexit, both countries launched trade negotiations in May 2020, and as of May 2022 the UK signed its first trade agreement with Indiana as an individual US state, with more agreements expected to be signed this year.

Some of the world’s biggest marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, originate in the US, and even though eCommerce in the US is yet to catch up with a mature market like China, it only means there is scope for massive growth in the online consumer market.

eCommerce in USA

US eCommerce growth

14.2%

Retail eCommerce Sales:

$870 billion USD in 2021

eCommerce share in Total Retail Sales:

13.2%

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Forbes

US Demographics:

Population 331,893,745 (Census.gov)

Employment rate:

58.4% (Statista, 2022)

Median Household income:

$64,994 USD (Census.gov)

Internet users:

85.3%

(Census.gov)

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Shopping Online in the US

Key product categories

Furniture

Garden Supplies

Sporting Goods

Hobby

Building Materials

Electronics

Health & Personal Care

Food & Beverage

Apparel

Forbes

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Top Online Marketplaces:

Statista 2021

Delivering to USA

Of the top 500 online shops by net sales in 2020 (for which shipping information is available and known)…

54%

United States Postal Service (USPS) is the most frequently used shipping method in US eCommerce at 54%

48%

48% of the eCommerce shops use UPS (United Parcel Service)

42%

42% indicate Click & Collect as a delivery method (Statista, 2020)

FedEx and DHL are among the Top 5 shipping carriers

(Statista, 2020)

Useful tips:

US digital buyers are rampant shoppers and expect to reach a retailer through multiple touchpoints – website, chat, phone, email, social media, store, and more. All of these touchpoints need to be unified with an effective omnichannel customer experience. (acquire.io)
A major challenge faced by consumers in the online shopping cycle is at the returns stage. A survey by comScore and UPS showed 63% of American consumers check the return policy before making a purchase and 48% would shop more with retailers offering hassle-free returns. (acquire.io)

GFS International Transit Times

GFS eCommerce Express

1-3 days

GFS eCommerce Plus

3-9 days

GFS eCommerce Economy

5-9 days

*Fastest transit time is GFS International Express Service, longest transit time is GFS International Economy.

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