Amazon, Wal-Mart and eBay have once again reinforced their status as e-commerce stalwarts in a new survey polling consumers on what drives them to shop online and which web merchants they prefer the most.
The three giants have kept their spots atop the top ten of the STORES Favorite 50, an annual survey of thousands of consumers that is now in its fourth year.
In fact, the top 12 e-tailers on the list remain unchanged from the 2009 version as do the answers given by shoppers in regard to which online shopping services and features they value the most.
Marketing research firm BIGresearch conducted the survey, collecting responses from nearly 8,500 consumers this past June. Respondents were asked to provide their two favorite online merchants as well as address a number of questions surrounding what motivates them to shop online and which features attract them to their preferred retailers.
Not only did Amazon, Wal-Mart and eBay retain the top three spots this year, but they increased their market shares as well, a significant development given the overall frugal nature of consumers in general over the past few years. With many shoppers often eschewing specific retailers in order to find the best price or selection, to see the top three retailers on the list gaining in the loyalty department is extremely noteworthy.
Joining the ‘Big Three’ in the top ten are Best Buy (4), JCPenny.com (5), Target (6), Kohls (7), Google (8), Overstock.com (9) and Sears (10). You can see the full list of the 50 most preferred e-tailers here.
Nearly two-thirds of the companies in the top 50 have no physical presence, yet another piece of evidence proving how much e-commerce is becoming a preference for more and more consumers. Furthermore, while the top ten spots are occupied largely by retail giants, there is some stiffer competition the further you move down the list. Specialty apparel merchants comprise almost half of the list as well and comprise what is probably the most competitive product category in the retail industry.
Not surprisingly, prices remain the biggest influence on where and how consumers shop on the web according to the report. But respondents also indicated they value retailers that can provide them with updated and accurate stock levels and easy navigation, both online and off, as well as knowledgeable sales associates. And as usual, free or discounted shipping and flexible return policies ranked high on this priority list for consumers as well when it comes to choosing preferred retailers.
What are your thoughts? Did you favorite retailer make the top ten, or even top-50 list? What stands out as important to you when it comes to shopping and choosing a retailer? Leave us your thoughts and comments below!
