Around 7 in 10 Gen Zs in Southeast Asia prefer e-commerce 

56% of social commerce platform visitors shifted to e-commerce to complete their purchases.

The majority of Gen Z shoppers in Southeast Asia consider e-commerce platforms as their primary shopping destination, according toShopee’s latest report.

The survey, conducted by Kantar's Profiles division with over 2,400 respondents, found that 73% of Gen Z individuals prefer making their purchases on e-commerce platforms even after exploring alternative channels for research.

Additionally, 56% of those initially engaging with social commerce platforms for research prefer transitioning to e-commerce platforms to complete their transactions. Key factors driving this preference include product variety (79%), quality (77%), and convenient payment methods (59%).

The survey also showed that one in three Gen Z shoppers spends at least five days researching their purchases as they prioritize seamless return processes and next-day delivery. 

To address these preferences, Shopee is introducing Next Day and Instant Delivery in select markets, alongside expanding its return policy to allow Change of Mind for more products. This expanded policy will start in Singapore on 28 March.

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Moreover, the survey also revealed that eight out of 10 respondents actively seek entertainment while navigating their shopping journey.  

To meet this demand, Shopee is launching Shopee Video, allowing users to follow and watch their favourite creators. Initially available in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, Shopee Video is set to launch in Malaysia in the coming months.

“Gen Zs in Southeast Asia highly value using e-commerce platforms for product research and purchases, emphasising their need for a smooth, reliable, and integrated shopping experience,” said Ian Ho, vice president of Shopee.

“From enhancing service levels to providing new types of shopping entertainment content, our latest initiatives draw on shoppers' feedback,” he added.