Over the past decade, E-commerce has seen rapid growth worldwide, and Georgia has been no exception. Many startups in the country attribute their success to digitization, which gives them access to new segments of customers previously unreachable.
E-commerce has significant benefits for startups and small businesses, especially in terms of improving customer service. First and foremost, digital technology adoption has boosted trust in online shopping, and E-commerce has become more reliable in Georgia. As a result, market volume growth intensifies.
Development of E-Commerce in Georgia
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia’s e-commerce market was relatively uncompetitive. However, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns dramatically altered this landscape.
The number of e-commerce users increased steadily from 2019 to 2022. In 2022, the user count exceeded half a million for the first time, outpacing the two prior pandemic years. This represents 23.8% of internet users. The surge in e-commerce wasn’t just a temporary response to the pandemic; it sustained momentum. Current data indicates that one in four internet users in Georgia engage in online commerce.
In 2019-2022, the number of active users also grew, and among them, their share of total users increased from 25% to 28%. This means that more people use e-commerce at a higher rate.
The Role of VELI.store in the Development of the E-commerce Market
The Georgian e-commerce company Veli.store, which started in 2021 as a startup, has quickly risen to the top of the market and become one of the most reliable online stores. With over 100 employees and offering more than 30,000 unique products on its website, the company has ambitious plans. In addition to dominating the local market, Veli aims to expand its reach to other regional e-commerce markets.
Since its launch, Veli.store has had thousands of visitors, which has grown significantly. The company’s vision was to transform the usual shopping routine into a productive and enjoyable experience. With the user in mind, the platform aimed to shift customer experiences away from dissatisfaction and toward comfort.
How did Veli.store influence the Georgian E-market?
As a result of the pandemic and ensuing lockdown, many people felt as if they had no control over their lives. Veli.store countered this sentiment by reminding users of the joy of making choices based on their preferences and desires. As a result, the platform became not just a shopping destination but also a company associated with positive emotions.
E-commerce relies heavily on trust. For a customer to place an order, they need to believe in the safety of the product selection, the quality of the products, and the security of payment methods and their personal data. Before 2021, many Georgians bought from international e-commerce companies. Veli had to work hard to break this stereotype.
Veli.store bridged a gap by introducing previously unavailable products to the Georgian market. What once took Georgian customers weeks to receive from international retailers became accessible quickly and conveniently through Veli.store. Veli.store stands out not only for the high quality of its products but for its efficient delivery service.
Customer-oriented service
Veli.store is continuously expanding, adding more products to its online catalogue regularly. The primary aim is to help customers save time and demonstrate the efficiency of purchasing products from a single online source. To underscore this benefit, the website calculates the time a user saves by shopping online. Prioritizing the customer experience helps Veli.store uphold a favourable brand reputation and foster customer loyalty.
Future plans
In the future, Veli.store aims to expand beyond the Georgian market and tap into the broader regional e-commerce sector. The company intends to diversify its offerings by adding more products and categories. A key strength lies in understanding their customers’ desires and needs.
Final Thoughts
In the past decade, we’ve seen a global digital revolution, and Georgia has embraced it with remarkable enthusiasm. With startups at the forefront, digitization has ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and innovation. This has enabled them to tap into previously unreachable customer segments. In this age of rapid technological advancement, e-commerce has become a powerful catalyst for economic expansion and customer empowerment.
Veli.store is a compelling example of innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction. Let this remarkable story inspire us to embrace change, set audacious goals, and champion the values that are at the core of every thriving business – integrity, quality, and customer focus.
