E-Commerce in Peru

2020 IMPACT

Pandemic sees boom, but limited consumer access is a barrier

E-commerce sales are set to see explosive growth in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. This is exaggerated to an extent by the channel’s emergence from a relatively low base, as in global e-commerce terms Peru remains immature.

Nimble retailers develop alliances, innovate to offset drop in footfall

COVID-19 has forced retailers to innovate in order to offset the effects on footfall of the pandemic. Notably, there have been a number alliances between non-related retailers that allow consumers to complete purchases despite lockdown restrictions.

Weakness of Peruvian infrastructure limits stronger growth

The closure of non-essential stores between March and July due to quarantine and social distancing regulations should have been an opportunity for retailers with an e-commerce channel to offset the drop in footfall, build sales and strengthen reputations. However, many retailers were simply unprepared for the surge in demand.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

E-commerce set to see innovation, new categories, portfolio expansion

E-commerce is anticipated to see strong growth post-pandemic, helped by the rising penetration of non-cash payment systems and internet access. Most importantly, leading retailers will continue to invest in their sites over the forecast period to widen the variety of products sold online in Peru.

Contactless e-commerce technologies set to strengthen off threat of virus

Peruvian retailers will seek to develop stronger omni-channel proposals over the forecast period, to drive growth in both e-commerce and instore models. This is likely to see the introduction of significant new technologies for contactless purchases such as QR codes, or picture search apps that link to e-commerce sites.

Potential still blunted by digital payment penetration

The weakness of the country’s online grocery was completely exposed in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, forcing leading players to look to third party delivery apps such as Glovo to maintain sales to consumers. The crisis will see these players forced into the development of more proprietary e-commerce sites, as consumers have become accustomed to online grocery shopping.