The e-commerce development during the COVID-19 pandemic

Because of the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of digital technology in modern society has increased dramatically. New trends have appeared in the development of the modern digital economy. In retail, the role of distance selling has also increased due to the pandemic. The Russian Federation is witnessing a significant shift in the use of e-commerce technologies with the growth rate of online commerce exceeding the growth of traditional forms of retail. The share of purchases involving e-commerce technologies has increased dramatically. In this context, this article describes such aspects of the development of digital sales as the need to improve telecommunications networks, to introduce new technologies into forward-looking business models. In that regard, information security tools must be improved, in particular the use of Blockchain technology, to address the problems of personal data protection. This article places particular emphasis on the optimization of the assortment matrix and the related pricing policy within modern trade. The aspects mentioned above are crucial from the social point of view both in terms of providing the Russian population with the necessary product range and keeping them employed. The development of regional e-commerce is also vital.