Last year saw a 35% increase in cross-border e-commerce as a result of the pandemic keeping consumers at home. While brands have unprecedented access to growth outside their home markets, many don’t have the digital capabilities and local expertise they need to fully leverage international opportunities.

Will this massive expansion of global e-commerce continue unabated? To discuss current trends in cross-border e-commerce and whether these changes in consumer behavior are sticky, host Melissa Gonzales welcomed Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne the President and CEO, Americas at eShopWorld, the world’s leading cross-border e-commerce solution provider.

“This is one of the most important opportunities today for brands, whether they are small to medium-sized enterprises or whether they are large-sized enterprises, to start capturing global potential and start to be relevant to a global customer base.” - Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne

Localization of e-commerce solutions is essential to international brand expansion. Gonzalez and Bousquet-Chavanne delved into the need for native currency pricing as well as local, secure payment options, easy returns, and trackable shipping. Reducing friction in these creates a personalized experience that fosters loyalty with consumers looking for convenience and ease of discovery. “The world is discovering that regardless of where you’re located you now have access to the global catalog of the world’s best brands.” Bousquet-Chavanne said. He points out that by the end of 2021, 70% of consumers will have made a cross-border purchase.

Will these trends continue? How do brands take advantage of this explosion in international e-commerce? What are the best strategies? Gonzalez and Bousquet-Chavanne have insights into this fast growing sector of retail and how it will shape brands in the future.