Ebay’s sales of tablet computers grows ten-fold during past year
Ebay has revealed that sales of tablet computers and accessories on its UK site have increased ten-fold over the past year and have overtaken traditional desktop PCs as consumers seek portable alternatives.
Ebay said the popularity of tablets was contributing to significant growth in its mobile sales, as consumers increasingly want to shop on the move or in a more ‘laid back’ style in the home. Mobile continues to be the fastest growing part of Ebay’s business, with global mobile sales expected to double again in 2011 to over $4 billion, the retailer said.
In May 2011, sales of tablets accounted for around 15% of computers sold on eBay.co.uk, compared to around 3% at the same time last year. Laptops and netbooks accounted for around 70% of computer sales last month on eBay in the UK, compared to almost 80% in May 2010.
Angus McCarey, retail director for Ebay UK said: “People shop differently on mobile and tablets versus traditional PCs: they spend more money , do more browsing and purchase across a wider variety of products. iPad shoppers on eBay spend approximately 40% more than an average iPhone user, and we expect to see similar trends with other tablet users.”
“Competition and innovation in the tablet computer market will continue to change the way people shop, as more and more consumers become part of the mobile shopping trend. So far this year, Ebay has attracted 300,000 new customers globally making their first purchase via one of the mobile apps.”
The findings of a recent Ebay study carried out by Verdict found that mobile shopping could deliver a £4.5bn boost to Britain’s economy by 2016 and a further £13bn by 2021. The research also revealed that m-commerce is on the verge of a potential four-fold increase over the next five years as consumers become more comfortable with shopping via smartphones and tablet computers.
