Web3 in E-Commerce Retail Market Share Analysis
Web3 has introduced a new world of decentralized markets where businesses operate on terms that are friendly to their users. One thing that stands out when it comes to Web3-driven online business models is the growing population of decentralized markets. Most online marketplaces rely on centralized intermediaries who mediate between buyers and sellers while managing other elements. These include Web 2 services like blockchain technology or smart contracts, which make it possible to create decentralized alternatives where buyers can transact directly with sellers without using centralized platforms.
E-commerce and retail are also seeing a growing trend of using non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are distinct digital assets that are stored in the blockchain to verify and demonstrate ownership of digital and physical items. Web3 is also driving renewed customer loyalty programs. Unlike traditional loyalty schemes, which often rely on central databases to monitor customer actions and award rewards, decentralized programs built on blockchain technology offer transparent and unchangeable engagement tracking systems for customers. This allows for more personalized and fulfilling loyalty programs where customers can earn points across multiple retailers who join the ecosystem.
Decentralized finance (DeFi) has emerged as another significant trend shaping the e-commerce and retail space. DeFi platforms make use of blockchain technology to provide financial services without intermediaries, hence enabling users to borrow, lend, or trade assets in a decentralized manner. Additionally, the move towards Web3 is changing how brands relate to their communities. These tokens, which represent fractional ownership in a creator's community via a blockchain network, have become an increasingly popular way for brands to incentivize user engagement. Through social tokens, brands could reward loyal customers, provide exclusive access to content or events, and foster community ownership through participation.