Meesho, an online shopping platform, has witnessed e-commerce use increase considerably in non-metro locales, particularly in fashion categories. According to the company’s recent ‘E-commerce Festive Forecast 2024’ poll, 60% of shoppers intend to raise their shopping budget this holiday season.
“While the majority of our customers are looking to increase their online spending, it’s fascinating how social media is reshaping shopping—half of our users now turn to influencers for product recommendations, highlighting their significant role in driving purchase decisions,” Meesho’s general manager of business, Megha Agarwal, told India Retailing.
According to the report, 70% of respondents look to influencers for shopping inspiration via watching product reviews and hauls. The majority of respondents planned their holiday buying, but 16% said they were just last-minute buyers.
The company discovered that social media can boost the haste with which shoppers make their purchases, with 40% of surveyed shoppers motivated by the fear of missing out on popular products. Meesho also surveyed its merchants and discovered that 65% intend to debut new products for the holiday season in order to increase consumer demand, while others are venturing into new product categories and spending in advertising.
“For our sellers, who are increasingly new to e-commerce, innovation is crucial,” Agarwal told reporters. “Sellers are venturing into new categories and launching innovative products, reflecting their strategic push to meet evolving consumer demands.”
