A huge win for Apple as the major technology player becomes the UK’s number two online shopping website, finishing behind Amazon which holds the top spot, according to Experian’s “Hot Shops” report.
The Hot Shops report has been running for five years, with Amazon securing the number one spot every single time.
IMRG published data shows that Apple has experienced a four-fold increase in visitor numbers to its web store following the release of the iPhone 4S and the passing of Steve Jobs.
Last month, one out of every 250 UK internet users visited Apple’s website, lifting the company into second position in the Hot Shops report.
Immense popularity of Apples devices
I think this is a huge triumph for Apple, considering it only sells its own technology brand. Think about it – Amazon sell a huge range of products, from many different brands, whereas Apple is only selling its own brands in a very specific industry.
If I were Apple, I would be feeling very pleased with myself. Apple has even knocked Argos into third place.
Apple’s leap into the number two spot for online retailers can be attributed to the release of the iPhone 4S, which appears to have propelled Apple’s own brand web store ahead of Argos, Tesco, Next, Your M&S and Play.com in the November Hot Shops list.
Considering all the initial disappointment of no iPhone 5 release, Apple has definitely made it known who is King when it comes to must-have products.
James Murray, a Hitwise market analyst, said: “The launch of the iPhone 4S has helped push Apple to its highest ever ranking in the Hot Shops list.
“Online shopping is stronger than ever and year-on-year we’ve seen UK internet visits to the online retail category grow by three per cent. This is despite the ongoing global economic turmoil, which has resulted in lackluster bricks and mortar retail performances.”
Amazon – the nation’s favourite for online shopping
It is no surprise that Amazon came up trumps again in the “Hot Shops” report, considering all of its latest offerings, and the massive success of the Kindle Reader.
I wonder if the Kindle Fire will only aid Amazon’s success further, and perhaps widen the gap between itself and Apple.
Or will the release of the iPad 3 bring Apple closer to Amazon? Should Amazon be worried about Apple?
Approximately 322 million hours were spent last month by UK consumers on e-commerce sites. That’s likely to jump even higher to 350 million next month, due to the festive season.
This signifies just how important embracing e-commerce is for your business.