Exploring FedEx's APAC Festive Shopping Insights
The festive shopping season is in full force and FedEx Express has shared fresh insights into this year’s trends across the Asia-Pacific region.
FedEx, a major player in international express delivery, launched the survey to understand key expectations, consumer motivations and business concerns during this peak season. This research taps into the perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and consumers across 12 Asia-Pacific markets, offering a deeper look at the shifts shaping online shopping in 2024.
The survey, conducted by Milieu Insight in October 2024, involved responses from 200 SMEs engaged in cross-border e-commerce and 300 active online shoppers across countries including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
The findings reflect the rapid rise in digital adoption and intra-regional trade, a trend FedEx aims to leverage as SMEs anticipate growing seasonal demand.
Rising optimism among SMEs as APAC e-commerce booms
According to FedEx’s survey results, 70% of SMEs in the region expect an uptick in sales compared to last year, with a staggering 80% forecasting growth stemming from the Asia-Pacific market itself, especially Southeast Asia.
This aligns with broader e-commerce expansion in the region, where double-digit growth is observed as cross-border trade and digital transactions drive momentum.
Projections suggest that intra-Asia trade will exceed US$13.5tn by 2030, a figure which supports optimism among SMEs anticipating a surge in seasonal sales.
For many consumers, festive shopping centres around prominent events like Double Eleven, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
FedEx’s findings show that 57% of shoppers prefer online platforms, with 70% lured by festive discounts and free delivery options - factors that play a critical role in shaping the holiday shopping experience. With competition stiffening, SMEs are increasingly embracing digital channels and partnering with major e-commerce platforms to enhance visibility and access new customer bases.
"In the Asia-Pacific region, the gifting season continues in the months leading up to Christmas through to Lunar New Year," says Kawal Preet, FedEx’s Asia-Pacific President.
"As cross-border e-commerce surges, e-tailers, particularly SMEs, are gearing up to maximise sales this season.
"Our extensive network and smart digital solutions empower these businesses to streamline holiday shipping, deliver quality customer experiences and thrive in a competitive landscape."
Speedy delivery options and e-commerce innovations are key
For SMEs, capturing a slice of the season’s sales requires optimising delivery speed and efficiency, as timely delivery remains a top priority for consumers.
FedEx’s survey indicates that late deliveries concern 54% of shoppers, while 60% expect their purchases to arrive within two to three days and 45% value flexible delivery options. These expectations highlight the need for e-tailers to enhance fulfilment strategies.
To assist SMEs in meeting these demands, FedEx has introduced services tailored for speed and reliability, like FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP), which offers rapid shipping within Asia-Pacific and beyond to destinations including the US and Europe, with delivery in one to three days.
FedEx’s integration of its Ship Manager platform with e-commerce marketplaces such as Shopify and BigCommerce further facilitates efficient shipment handling, allowing merchants to process orders and manage documents seamlessly from one platform.
This type of efficient, user-friendly integration is increasingly crucial for SMEs operating in the fast-paced holiday season.
FedEx is also expanding last-mile delivery solutions to accommodate customers who may not be at home to receive packages. The company has rolled out 260,000 smart lockers across the Asia-Pacific region, where customers can retrieve packages securely and at their convenience.
Additionally, FedEx’s digital solutions like Delivery Manager International and Picture of Proof Delivery give customers peace of mind by allowing them to track their deliveries and receive visual confirmation upon receipt.
Consumers show strong support for sustainable shopping practices
Beyond speed, today’s consumers place high value on sustainability.
FedEx’s findings show that sustainability has become a key factor for shoppers choosing where to buy, with 88% of consumers expressing the desire for businesses to adopt sustainable practices in their online offerings.
This sentiment indicates that businesses promoting eco-friendly solutions can strengthen brand loyalty and differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
Although only 47% of SMEs believe their customers seek both sustainability and quick delivery, a notable 77% of consumers say they are willing to pay extra for sustainable packaging, especially when purchasing gifts.
This demand presents a clear opportunity for SMEs to cater to environmentally conscious customers by opting for sustainable packaging materials or improving waste management practices.
FedEx is addressing this shift in consumer preference by offering tools like FedEx® Sustainability Insights, which help businesses measure the carbon impact of shipments and offer emissions transparency - a tool designed to aid SMEs in refining their operations with sustainability in mind.
For many consumers, sustainability is no longer just an option; it’s an expectation and businesses that respond are better positioned to cultivate lasting relationships.
As the holiday season heats up, the survey insights emphasise that a mix of fast delivery, affordability and sustainable choices will determine where shoppers spend.
For FedEx and its SME partners, meeting these demands requires leveraging digital innovation and the increasing integration of sustainable practices, ensuring customers receive what they want, when they want it.
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