Number of online shoppers may cross 100 million by end of 2017

MUMBAI: The number of consumers who buy online is expected to cross 100 million by 2017 end compared with 69 million last year, boosted by the rise of, among others, better logistical infrastructure and broadband and Internet-ready devices, an ASSOCHAM-Resurgent India study said.

The Indian e-retail market is likely to jump 65% on year in 2018 to $17.52 billion, the study released on Monday showed. The market was at $3.59 billion in 2013 and $5.30 billion in 2014.

"The year 2017 will see large scale growth in the Indian ecommerce sector with increased

participation from people across the country. This industry will continue to drive more employment opportunities and contribute towards creating more entrepreneurs through the ecommerce marketplace model," the report said.

It also said that demonetisation and a reduction in cash transaction, along with improvement of net banking facilities, can actually throw up opportunities for the Indian ecommerce sector.

Mobile commerce is likely to jump to 45-50% in 2017 against the current 30-35% of ecommerce sales. The study added that 50% sales come from mobile with majority being first-time users.