From Physical Stores to Virtual Marketplaces: The Evolution of Shopping

Nowadays, online trade is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in technology. Looking at these developments, I can confidently say that e-commerce will become commonplace in the future. This form of commercial consumption eliminates the need to visit physical stores, allowing consumers to explore products online and make informed decisions without leaving their homes. Additionally, online commerce enables businesses to effectively promote their products and reach a broader audience. This paper explores the landscape of e-commerce, examining how it operates, the types of businesses involved, and the sales and profits generated online. To support these findings, the study utilizes both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through a survey involving 100 participants, while secondary data were gathered from various sources, including books, websites, and electronic Scientific Journals. Main Purpose of This Study: To highlight the development of E-commerce over the years.; To identify businesses operating in E-commerce. The main objectives of this study will be: To analyze E-commerce businesses and the profits they have made over the years.; To distinguish the features of E-commerce and E-business.; To identify the advantages and disadvantages that E-commerce brings.; To statistically highlight how COVID-19 has impacted E-commerce. Received: 12 September 2024 / Accepted: 10 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024