E-commerce growth can stay stronger for longer due to several factors, including technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a detailed explanation of these factors:

1. Technological Advancements: The continuous advancements in technology have significantly contributed to the growth of e-commerce. The development of faster internet speeds, mobile devices, and secure online payment systems has made it easier for consumers to shop online. Moreover, innovations like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are enhancing the online shopping experience by allowing customers to visualize products before making a purchase. These technological advancements are expected to continue driving e-commerce growth in the future.

Example: The rise of mobile commerce (m-commerce) has been a game-changer for e-commerce. According to eMarketer, m-commerce sales are projected to reach $3.56 trillion by 2021, accounting for 72.9% of total e-commerce sales.

Reference: eMarketer - "Worldwide Retail and Ecommerce Sales: eMarketer's Updated Forecast and New Mcommerce Estimates for 2016-2021"

2. Changing Consumer Behavior: Consumer behavior has shifted significantly towards online shopping in recent years. Convenience, time-saving, and a wider range of product choices are some of the key factors driving this change. Consumers now prefer the ease of browsing and purchasing products from the comfort of their homes, rather than visiting physical stores. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with improved delivery options, has made it more appealing for consumers to shop online.

Example: Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, has capitalized on changing consumer behavior. Its Prime service offers fast and reliable delivery, along with additional benefits like streaming services, which have attracted millions of subscribers. Amazon's success demonstrates the shift in consumer behavior towards e-commerce.

Reference: Statista - "Number of Amazon Prime members in the United States as of January 2021"

3. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-commerce as people worldwide turned to online shopping due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. The pandemic forced many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers to close temporarily or permanently, leading consumers to rely heavily on e-commerce platforms. This surge in online shopping is likely to have a lasting impact, as many consumers have now become accustomed to the convenience and safety of online shopping.

Example: Shopify, an e-commerce platform, reported a 94% increase in new stores created on its platform between Q1 and Q2 of 2020, indicating the rapid adoption of e-commerce during the pandemic.

Reference: Shopify - "Shopify Announces Second-Quarter 2020 Financial Results"

In conclusion, e-commerce growth can stay stronger for longer due to technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have created a favorable environment for the expansion of online shopping, and their continued influence is expected to sustain e-commerce growth in the future.