The unpredictable evolution of the coronavirus outbreak on a global level quickly created a domino effect, dragging the entire international economy and trade into its vortex. The last fortress that was to remain impregnable was that of e-commerce, which confirms in every way the need for businesses for online presence, as well as for a structured and robust digital marketing strategy.
The first surveys by the Greek eCommerce Association (GR.EC.A.) in collaboration with BestPrice, Google & Skroutz, report that the increase in spending by Greeks on online stores ranges weekly at a rate of 134%, compared to the same week in 2019. According to the research, it appears that Greeks are increasing online sales from March in hundreds of categories related to in-house activities, such as Entertainment (+433%), Sports and Hobby (+129%), and teleworking activities (web cameras +1,256%) or distance learning (children’s items +118%). In the critical period before the start of the quarantine (March 2-8), online traffic skyrocketed in e-commerce categories, while traffic to physical stores of commerce or entertainment showed a sharp decline of up to -85%.
The Greek consumer seems to show an increasing interest in online shopping, recording an increase even in the fashion category, which shows signs of recovery with a 4% increase in online traffic during the Easter shopping period. This is the first time such a thorough study of e-commerce activity in our country has been recorded, providing us with very interesting data on the overall challenges that Greek entrepreneurship faces and the need to strengthen online tools and methods.
The way this new crisis is being addressed is something that is being studied carefully and will concern us in the coming period.
However, what a brand can do to safeguard its online presence is to follow some basic guidelines:
- Adjust your main message
Propose to your audience new ways of renewal, positive engagement, entertainment, and satisfaction, adjusting your content accordingly. Who wouldn’t feel a little better by refreshing their appearance or space in a state of confinement and quarantine? - Show that you are fully informed
75% of online stores display a message related to the coronavirus. In this way, stores inform, advise, and share their own experience regarding the new reality. - Adopt a delivery and product return service
The contactless transaction policy and any form of safe product delivery to homes is a sign of trust from the public towards the business. - Ensure to provide a detailed view of your products online
Make sure that your product descriptions are detailed, and that the photos or designs help your audience understand the real picture. - Serve with “face-to-face” online interaction
Human contact is what is missing and creates anxiety, loneliness, and sadness in the days we live. Try in every way to communicate warmly and humanly with anyone who needs human contact.
In any case, what remains constant is the fact that nothing is stable.
The volatility of the new reality due to the coronavirus is something that every entrepreneur must face with flexibility and planning.
We would be happy to help you face the new challenge together!
Source: GR.EC.A. (Greek eCommerce Association)



















