Despite the fact that internet use in Ireland has doubled in the past two years, AmÃÂĄrach Consulting has downgraded its ecommerce forecasts for Ireland for the year. Lack of interest by net users in buying online is cited as the reason for the downgrades.
“The downgrading of forecasts is not due to any underlying economic slowdown. It is a result of lack of alternative payment systems, continued lack of confidence in the security of buying online and a lack of relevant online propositions that target the wider consumer market”, said Gerard OÂÂ’Neill, managing director of AmÃÂĄrach Consulting.
“Internet use is concentrated among young people, who for the most part donÂÂ’t own credit cards and therefore cannot buy at the vast majority of websites. Older Internet users, especially 35-49 year olds are still dogged by security concerns. And there are few online offerings that hold real appeal beyond small niche markets, ” he continued. “Overall the future outlook for IrelandÂÂ’s online consumer market is good, but not spectacular “, he concluded.
Source: AmÃÂĄrach Consumer TrendWatch and Forecasts