Apparel and accessories to dominate e-commerce: Google-TNS study

NEW ELHI, INDIA: Internet giant Google India and TNS Australia, in a study, revealed that apparel and accessories are poised to see traction in the online shopping space in 2013. The research indicates that cash on delivery is the biggest influencer for the first time buyers over the Internet.

With 30 per cent of queries for mobile phones in 2013, the pattern, it feels, will likely tilt towards fashion accessories and apparel, though consumer electronics will continue to lead with 34 per cent (a decline by 5 per cent since 2011). Apparel and accessories (with 34 per cent) will overtake electronic goods in 2013, it said.

Google India MD and VP Rajan Anandan said that 2012 proved to be a tipping point for e-commerce. ''Apparel and accessories over online stores are rapidly expanding. The year 2013 would bring different profit trajectory for large e-commerce sites,'' Anandan added.

The company, citing the study, said that there was 128 per cent growth in shopping trends in 2012, fueled by non-metro regions. ''Online ticketing consumers have a tendency to purchase products online. Baby, home décor and healthcare are other growing categories,'' said Google.

Anandan also believes that the online shopping industry will expand and it was evident from the fact that 8 million Indians in 2012 used e-commerce Websites to purchase products. He also feels that growth will come from outside the top eight metros.