MBRmay 2017_PG ALL LR

Malta Business Review
eCOMMERCE
E-COMMERCE IN MALTA
IS QUICKLY GROWING
An MCA research has shown that e-Commerce in Malta
is developing at a fast rate
MALTA
BUSINESS REVIEW
SPECIAL FEATURE: MiGEA 2017
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA)
has recently commissioned a study with the
aim of better understanding online shopping
trends in Malta.
A representative sample made up of 800
individuals were interviewed in July 2016.
Results show that e-Commerce in Malta is
quickly growing.
Internet usage across the Maltese population
rose to 81% in 2016 resulting in a 10% and
16% increase when compared to 2014 and
2010 respectively.
The use of mobile devices to access internet
has also increased drastically whereby access
via smartphone increased from 30% to 59%
via tablet from 23% to 40% in the past two
years.
It was discovered that 70% of the respondents
who have access to the Internet conduct
some form of research online before making
a purchase. This applies both if they envisage
to make the purchase online or by visiting a
physical store. Generally, respondents search
for the below listed information:
• Products or services
• Opening hours, location and contact details
• Consumer reviews
• View online catalogue
• Offers
• Ideas, inspirations, suggestions
An increase of 8% (from 70% in 2014 to 78%
in 2016) was reported in e-Commerce in
Malta. Out of these, 89% had made at least
one online purchase in the past 3 months.
This marks a 10% increase compared to 2014
and an increase of 23% compared to 2010.
The importance of a strong web presence
is becoming more important by the minute
as more customers flock online to gather
information and make purchases online. As
a business it is strategically important not to
fall behind.
Financial assistance is currently available to
assist companies to design and develop new
websites with e-Commerce functionality.
Through the e-Commerce Grant Scheme,
co-financed by the European Regional
Development Fund 2014-2020, companies in
Malta will be able to receive a refund of up to
50% of expenses up to a maximum of €5,000.
NIU may guide you in developing an attractive
website using the latest technologies which
more importantly is an effective means to
attract customers and improve their online
shopping experience.
MBR
Credit: Malta Communications Authority
MiGEA SPECIAL FEATURE
HELPING CREATIVE PEOPLE ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE
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