AFTER many years of shopping online and the effect the Covid-19 pandemic had on Malaysians' shopping habits, people are becoming more informed and knowledgeable about what they want from e-commerce.
Recently, Shopee Malaysia unveiled its "Past the Starting Line: Adapting to Malaysia's Digital Consumers in 2023" consumer trends report to show the status of Malaysian shoppers.
The company said of the 2,150 Malaysian buyers surveyed, 60 per cent remain steadfast in achieving their ambitions and enjoying e-commerce in 2023.
In fact, Shopee said, buyers in categories such as Mobile & Accessories (61 per cent), Automotive (60 per cent), Fashion (59 per cent), and Home & Living (59 per cent) are becoming more tech-savvy and fully aware of their diverse needs in supporting local businesses for a future-forward economy.
SAVVIER USE OF DIGITAL SERVICES
When asked what their New Year's resolutions are for 2023, 35 per cent of Malaysians want to prioritise personal health and wellness this year.
They look to develop themselves to varying degrees, including better lifestyle and living choices (26 per cent), upskill and nurture hobbies (23 per cent), and increase social confidence (16 per cent).
When thinking about discovering and buying items, 39 per cent of buyers plan to buy more home and living products in 2023; 38 per cent show interest in family essentials like household goods; 13 per cent gain knowledge through books and games; and 10 per cent equip themselves with workout and travel gear.
Because they are more digitally savvy and spend more time online, 51 per cent of buyers see the increased importance of greater personalisation and shopping flexibility for the new year.
GROWING ADOPTION OF DIGITAL SERVICES FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES
The survey also asked buyers about their interest in locally made goods from Borneo sellers. It was found that five in 10 buyers expressed interest in supporting local businesses in Borneo to improve their living standards.
Thirty-five per cent considered shifting preferences to shop for more local goods, and the remainder was okay with their learnt and adopted online shopping habits.
Many are excited to support Made-in-Malaysia products from underserved communities in rural areas because of their high quality and durability.
"We continuously work with a user-centric approach to keep ourselves well informed of the trends and buyer contexts to create a positive impact through our inclusive ecosystem," said Shopee Malaysia's Head of Marketing Campaigns, Kenneth Soh.
RISE OF YOUNGER, MORE PURPOSEFUL BUYERS
With the rise of younger, more purposeful buyers, Shopee said many would not compromise on principles.
Seven in 10 Malaysians strive to make smarter purchasing decisions through insightful content such as product warranties, live demos and unboxing to ensure the products they love are worth the value.
Since buyers pay close attention to what a seller stands for and does, they can interact with Shopee's diverse community of influencers and affiliates to discover and enjoy an authentic shopping experience.