13 Ecommerce Trends Shaping the Future of Shopping

Ecommerce spending across the globe continues to break records. In fact, Ecommerce sales recently surpassed $1.14 trillion—an all-time high. As the industry evolves, several trends are set to influence the landscape of online shopping. Let’s dive into 13 of the most significant ecommerce trends expected to impact the industry over the next few years.

1. Augmented Reality Provides an Interactive Shopping Experience

The number of people using augmented reality (AR) is rising rapidly, with the expectation that the number of AR devices worldwide will hit 1.7 billion by 2024. Over half of consumers report that they use AR features while shopping, interacting with products in an immersive way that brings them to life on their smartphones. Studies indicate that 55% of consumers feel that AR makes shopping more exciting, and 40% are willing to pay more for products they can experience through AR before purchasing.

Major brands are already leveraging this technology. Google has introduced AR-powered ads for ecommerce beauty brands, allowing customers to try on makeup directly through Google’s shopping platform. Companies like Walmart are following suit with AR try-on capabilities, revolutionizing online shopping by enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.

2. AI Automates Ecommerce Marketing

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the ecommerce landscape, automating marketing processes and streamlining operations. The market for AI writing tools alone is projected to reach nearly $6.5 billion by 2030. Brands are harnessing AI to generate copy for product descriptions, blog posts, and social media content, significantly reducing the need for manual labor.

Moreover, AI is also enhancing product visuals. Recent surveys indicate that 60% of brands plan to invest in AI for visual content creation. Tools like Booth AI enable businesses to swap backgrounds and models in product photography, drastically cutting costs and boosting efficiency.

3. Surging Revenue in Social Commerce

Social commerce has witnessed explosive growth, with revenues reaching around $570.7 billion last year, and forecasts predict expansion to over $1.085 trillion by 2028. Facebook currently dominates the arena, but platforms like TikTok are quickly catching up. TikTok’s shop capabilities allow users to purchase products directly from videos, contributing to an expected $20 billion in global ecommerce sales for 2023. Pinterest is also making strides, launching partnerships to simplify shopping on its platform.

4. AI Enhances the Customer Experience

Data shows that 92% of consumers are likely to make repeat purchases following a positive customer experience. With customers increasingly expecting fast and efficient service, ecommerce brands are turning to AI-powered chatbots to automate support. Today’s chatbots can handle specific queries, improving response times and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased sales.

5. Ecommerce Influencer Marketing Continues to Grow and Change

The influencer marketing industry has more than doubled since 2019, with 51% of influencers hailing from ecommerce brands. However, consumer sentiment is shifting. Many are fatigued by overly promotional influencer content, which has led brands to focus more on authentic user-generated content. This shift is crucial, as nearly 70% of consumers prefer genuine content that feels less scripted and commercial.

6. Rising Consumer Demand for Sustainable Products and Packaging

Customers are increasingly valuing sustainability, with surveys showing that 74% of Americans want to purchase sustainable products. Brands making environmental claims experience cumulative growth that is 8% higher than those that do not. As a result, many companies are developing sustainable products and packaging solutions, echoing the consumer demand for eco-friendly practices.

7. Consumers Expect Convenient Payment Options

Convenience is pivotal in today’s ecommerce landscape. Nearly 60% of consumers consider the availability of payment options necessary when making purchases. Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are established in the market, making up 49% of global ecommerce transactions. Also, the popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services is on the rise, with more than 40% of online consumers expected to use them in 2023.

8. Ecommerce Subscription Market Grows Despite Economic Pressure

Ecommerce subscriptions are expected to top $43 billion in 2024, demonstrating resilient growth even amid economic pressures. Categories like home goods boast a 51% retention rate after one year of subscription. Consumers prefer replenishment subscriptions for essential everyday items, leading brands like Walmart to introduce new replenishment options.

9. Mobile Commerce Drives Nearly Half of All Ecommerce Sales

By the end of 2023, mobile commerce is expected to account for 43% of total retail ecommerce sales, with projections indicating it could exceed $710 billion by 2025. Apps are increasingly the preferred shopping method, with 90% of consumers using multiple shopping apps. As brands focus on offering streamlined and convenient mobile experiences, engagement and conversion rates are likely to continue rising.

10. Brands Attract Customers with AI-Powered Personalization Tools

As competition intensifies, brands are leveraging AI to provide personalized shopping experiences that resonate with individual customers. According to surveys, nearly 60% of consumers expect brands to use data for personalization. Companies are taking note, with many investing in AI-driven personalization technologies to create immersive experiences and increase customer retention.

11. Retailers Continue to Invest in Quick Commerce

Quick commerce—defined as the rapid delivery of goods—has become a significant trend, fueled by consumer demand for instantaneous service. With consumers considering two-day delivery the standard, brands are optimizing logistics and utilizing dark stores as fulfillment centers to meet consumer expectations. Quick commerce users in the U.S. are poised to reach 66 million by 2027, emphasizing the need for swift delivery solutions.

12. Consumers Opt for Second-Hand Ecommerce

As sustainability becomes a priority and inflation impacts consumer spending, the second-hand ecommerce market is booming. Resale ecommerce generated an impressive $77 billion in sales in 2022. Platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp are leading this trend, catering to consumers seeking affordable and sustainable alternatives while contributing to a circular economy.

13. TikTok and Investors Beton Live Shopping

Although the uptake of live shopping in the U.S. has been slow, interest is growing. TikTok is actively investing in livestream shopping capabilities, offering sales commissions to creators. The recent spike in investor interest signals a promising future for this sales channel, echoing the successful model already materialized in markets like China.

---

These trends collectively signify a dynamic and evolving ecommerce landscape where innovation and consumer preferences are at the forefront. Brands that adapt and implement these strategies will likely find themselves well-positioned in the competitive world of online retail.