Bhavnagar, Khambhat emerging as top e-commerce destinations in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: Internet penetration, option of cash-on-delivery and high aspirations have propelled Bhavnagar and Khambhat as one of the top five e-commerce destinations in Gujarat, says a report by a leading e-commerce website.
According to a census by eBay India, Surat accounts for 4% of 45 million buyers on eBay in India followed by Ahmedabad (3.5%), Vadodara (1.5%), Bhavnagar (0.5%) and Khambhat (0.2%).
“The increased usage of mobile devices to access internet in conjunction with the deep penetration of mobile phones in smaller regions has led to an increase in people shopping online,” said Navin Mistry, head, retail exports and lifestyle category, eBay India.
Electronic items, branded clothing and accessories have fuelled sales through e-commerce websites in tier-2 and tier-3 cities in recent times. “The cities in tier-2 and tier-3 are growing faster than metros in sales through e-commerce websites. The rural areas are showing growth of 60%-70% year on year,” added Mistry.
The census further reveals that rural hubs of Gujarat like Chorayasi (Surat), Okahmandal (Devbhumi Dwarka), Songadh (Tapi), Lakhpat and Nakhatrana (Kutch) are actively shopping online.
“Aspirations is driving sales in rural areas. Like metros, people in rural areas want to wear branded clothes and eyewear. Also the option of paying after deliver has helped increase the sales in rural areas,” said Mistry.
According to eBay India, the consumer trends witnessed during the 2014 festive season suggests that shoppers in Ahmedabad will indulge in buying television, watches and home décor and home appliances this festival season.
The e-commerce company also claimed that shoppers from Ahmedabad have also shown keen interest for fitness equipment and sports shoes. However, electronic items like mobile phones, laptops and tablets will continue to remain the most bought items during this festive season as well.
The research also highlights that the young populace (less than 25 years) of Ahmedabad are spending more on mobiles, cameras, audio and home entertainment while the online shoppers above 35 years are shopping for products in watches, laptops and jewellery and precious coins categories.