In today’s digital world, while some eCommerce trends fade quickly, others can transform the future of online shopping.
With the financial forecast indicating a 39 per cent growth in the coming years and global retail eCommerce sales expected to exceed eight trillion dollars by 2027, it’s clear why many retailers want a share of the market. As we look ahead to 2025, eCommerce businesses must evaluate which trends to embrace to stay competitive.
To set you up for success, I’ve compiled a list of the top 15 eCommerce trends for 2025.
Top 15 eCommerce Trends for 2025
- Augmented Reality (AR) in Online Shopping
- Consumers Embrace Personalised Advertising
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enhances Personalisation
- Social Commerce is Growing
- Optimise Your eCommerce Site for Voice Search
- Design a Mobile-Friendly UX site
- Adopt Hybrid Commerce
- Deliver a Positive Customer Support Experience
- Leverage eCommerce Influencer Marketing
- Offer Flexible and Reliable Payment Options
- Implement Sustainable Practices
- Ensure Robust Security and Privacy Measures
- Embrace the Latest eCommerce Solutions: Headless Commerce
- Focus on Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)
- Automate Your Email Marketing
#1 Augmented Reality (AR) in Online Shopping
AR helps customers to enjoy immersive shopping experiences right from their homes. It lets them visualise products in real-time, supporting informed purchase decisions. Several businesses have successfully used AR technology in their apps for years, showing it’s more than a passing eCommerce trend. Companies like salons, clothing retailers, and home improvement stores should employ this technology to offer interactive and engaging positive shopping experiences.
Major retailers now use AR for virtual try-ons and interactive 3D product views. This technology allows shoppers to visualise products in real-world environments, boosting buyer confidence and reducing return rates.
#2 Consumers Embrace Personalised Advertising
Personalisation has always been the trademark of eCommerce. So far, it has mainly focused on product recommendations and cross-selling. In 2025, we aim to take personalisation further by leveraging data analytics and AI. This approach will enable large retailers to offer more tailored content. It will help customers to customise loyalty programs based on their unique shopping habits and needs.
Enhanced personalisation will strengthen the bond between brands and their customers. As we move into 2025, expect more brands and retailers to optimise their DTC experiences to gather higher-quality customer data. It will enable them to deliver the level of personalisation that fosters ever-lasting brand loyalty.
#3 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enhances Personalisation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have become household names. In recent years, AI has revolutionised the eCommerce industry, enabling brands to automate various aspects of their businesses. From enhancing customer service with chatbots and personalising product recommendations to optimising the supply chain, AI’s potential impact on your business is boundless.
AI mimics human intelligence by using computer science and big data. In eCommerce, business owners can train AI to adapt to consumer behaviour, generating more accurate and valuable insights. Personalisation involves tailoring the user experience based on what the company knows about its customers. A survey found that 80% of consumers are more likely to become returning buyers if they receive a personalised shopping experience.
#4 Social Commerce is Growing
In recent years, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become dominant hubs for social commerce, far beyond their original roles as social media platforms. Experts predict that by the end of 2024, 110.4 million people will shop through these channels. As 75% of users turn to social media to research products, eCommerce businesses should capitalise on this trend. Facebook leads the way with about 2.9 billion users globally.
With features like one-click checkout and live shopping, these platforms are becoming increasingly customer-friendly, simplifying searching for and purchasing products. Besides, social commerce offers a low entry barrier, enabling businesses of all sizes to boost brand awareness, expand their audience, and provide a seamless buying experience.
#5 Optimise Your eCommerce Site for Voice Search
As smart speakers and voice assistants continue to advance, it’s becoming quite popular with consumers. To stay competitive, eCommerce brands need to optimise their sites for voice commerce. Digital retailers should concentrate on enhancing their commerce experiences for natural language patterns.
Smart speakers aren’t the only devices driving voice commerce. Many searches occur via smartphones, contributing to a blended commerce experience. It brings us to our next 2025 eCommerce trend.
#6 Design a Mobile-Friendly UX site
Many of us keep a smartphone close by every day to do online shopping. Mobile commerce is growing, predicted to account for 62% of all eCommerce by 2027.
Online businesses must ensure their eCommerce sites are mobile-responsive and deliver a seamless experience across all devices. It involves optimising content for smaller screens, enabling one-click ordering, and providing other conveniences for on-the-go shopping.
#7 Adopt Hybrid Commerce
The future of eCommerce embraces phygital — a seamless blend of online channels and physical retail experiences. This model integrates multiple platforms, ensuring a unified shopping journey known as hybrid commerce or omnichannel selling.
One effective way to implement omnichannel selling is through click-and-collect, also known as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS). This service allows customers to purchase items online and collect them at a nearby store or designated pickup point.
The click-and-collect trend has gained momentum due to its convenience, enabling quick in-store visits and eliminating shipping charges. Analysts predict its market value will exceed $154 billion by 2025.
#8 Deliver a Positive Customer Support Experience
Recent advancements in AI are helping eCommerce businesses enhance online customer experiences while reducing customer support costs. One increasingly popular tool among eCommerce retailers is AI-powered chatbots.
Chatbots allow brands to automate customer support queries, accelerating consumer response times. Although not an unexplored concept in eCommerce, many companies and customers previously hesitated due to their limited functionalities. The effectiveness of chatbots varies depending on the nature of the customer service issue they address.
#9 Leverage eCommerce Influencer Marketing
Using social media channels to sell is cost-effective and can benefit new eCommerce stores. Business owners can enhance sales by incorporating influencer marketing and live shopping. Influencer marketing boosts organic traffic and attracts new customers at a lower cost, delivering a $5.78 return for every dollar invested.
Marketers report that influencer-generated content drives higher engagement and outperforms branded posts. Moreover, 80% of consumers have made purchases based on influencer recommendations.
#10 Offer Flexible and Reliable Payment Options
Get ready for an even smoother online checkout experience in 2025! To keep up with the ever-changing landscape of personalised and convenient eCommerce experiences, retailers must strategically move to incorporate hassle-free payment choices.
The BNPL ((Buy Now, Pay Later) trend is booming, with nearly half of millennial and Gen X consumers using short-term financing options like Paypal Credit, Afterpay, or Apple’s Pay Later service in the last three years. This surge in popularity has also driven the concept of “invisible payments” – transactions that occur without any visible interaction (or friction) between the customer and the payment system.
But hold on, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Retailers need to take a balanced approach when integrating new BNPL options. While BNPL serves perfectly to repeat customers who love spreading payments, it’s crucial not to push debt onto those who might struggle to manage it.
The key for retailers in 2025 will be expanding these convenient payment options for responsible BNPL users while safeguarding those more susceptible to financial strain. It’s a win-win for both – a frictionless checkout experience for savvy shoppers and responsible credit access for all.
#11 Implement Sustainable Practices
The climate crisis is a stark reality for many. And this is shaping how we shop. Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s a driving force, and this eCommerce trend will accelerate in 2025. Today’s consumers seek eco-friendly options and are happy to pay more for brands prioritising the planet.
The takeaway for eCommerce businesses? A transparent and genuine commitment to sustainability is quintessential. Younger demographics are loyal to brands that align with their values. The first step? Design a sustainable website that minimises its environmental footprint.
#12 Ensure Robust Security and Privacy Measures
In 2025, customer data security will no longer be a bonus. It’ll become a necessity. With growing awareness about online privacy, consumers will look for platforms that safeguard their personal information.
Policymakers expect governments to implement tighter regulations, prompting retailers to take proactive steps. Invest in robust security measures and cultivate trust by adopting transparent data practices to stay ahead of the curve.
#13 Embrace the Latest eCommerce Solutions: Headless Commerce
Headless commerce is a next-generation eCommerce solution that separates a website or application’s front and back ends. Headless commerce uses application programming interfaces (APIs) to send content to any front-end framework.
This design allows eCommerce shopping from more than just PCs, laptops, and mobile devices. Consumers can browse and make purchase decisions using Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart speakers and fitness trackers.
Headless commerce combines all shopping experiences, boosts flexibility, and broadens sales opportunities. It can also improve multichannel selling by allowing headless organisations to integrate new eCommerce sales channels.
Consider moving to a headless content management system (CMS) like Strapi. Alternatively, use a headless eCommerce platform such as Shopify Plus or BigCommerce.
To ensure a smooth headless commerce implementation, consider partnering with a Shopify agency in London for expert guidance and support.
#14 Focus on Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)
Converting traffic into paying clients is crucial when running an eCommerce website. Conversion rate optimisation (CRO) encourages website visitors to purchase products or subscribe to your newsletter.
The future of CRO is customer-oriented. More marketers will focus on determining what attracts and deters visitors from taking action, ensuring the best user experience possible.
As a result, eCommerce businesses in the UK should plan their growth and optimise every client touchpoint, including the landing page.
#15 Automate Your Email Marketing
Marketing automation uses machine learning (ML) to automate marketing processes like advertisements, outreach and follow-up emails.
This technology does not rely on generic messages. It collects and analyses client information to generate personalised messages for each stage of the buyer’s journey. The end outcome is higher consumer engagement and conversion rates.
To remain ahead of this new eCommerce trend, 40% of marketers intend to include automation in their email marketing operations.
The marketing automation algorithm reduces cart abandonment rates by sending automated emails to customers to encourage them to continue the checkout process. In these emails, business owners might give free shipping coupons as an incentive to boost their success rate.
As a renowned Klaviyo Email Automation Agency in London and a valued partner, we provide unparalleled experience and insight to help you accelerate your growth.
My Final Verdict
Understanding these eCommerce trends is not enough. Companies that position themselves to implement them will emerge as the winners in 2025. We are well past the era of “move fast and break things.” It should be the year you establish customer trust by capitalising on these developments.
Before you leap into these eCommerce trends, reflect on which ones are excellent for your brand, industry, and customer needs. Consider visiting the best eCommerce events and expos worldwide to keep up with the industry trends.
Check out my latest blog post on the top eCommerce marketing agencies in 2024 to supercharge your online business!
FAQs about eCommerce Trends in 2025
Q1) What are the biggest game-changers in eCommerce for 2025?
In 2025, we can witness a confluence of eCommerce trends. Artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionise the industry with applications in personalised marketing, voice commerce, and even automated product fulfilment. Besides, the rise of immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) will transform the online shopping experience, allowing customers to try on clothes virtually or see furniture in their homes. Finally, sustainability will be a predominant differentiator, with eco-conscious consumers looking for brands offering eco-friendly products and packaging.
Q2) How can I ensure my eCommerce store stays ahead of the curve in 2025?
The key to staying ahead in 2025 is embracing innovation. Invest in AI-powered tools to personalise your customer interactions and business operations. Explore AR and virtual reality (VR) solutions to create a more engaging shopping experience. Most importantly, prioritise sustainability throughout your supply chain to resonate with environmentally conscious customers.
Q3) I’m on a tight budget. Are there any affordable ways to tap into eCommerce trends?
Absolutely! You don’t need a massive budget to benefit from eCommerce trends. Start by implementing a basic AI-powered chatbot to answer simple customer queries. Use social media platforms like Instagram to showcase your products, leveraging features like product tagging for easy purchase. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of eco-friendly packaging solutions like recycled cardboard boxes – they’re good for the planet and can enhance your brand image.
Q4) Are there any security concerns with these new eCommerce trends?
Security is always a top priority in eCommerce. It’s essential to ensure that your systems can handle sensitive customer data securely as AI and voice commerce become more prevalent. When you’re looking into AR/VR technologies, make sure to team up with trusted providers who prioritise data privacy.
To guarantee sustainability, be transparent about your sourcing and manufacturing practices to build trust with eco-conscious consumers.
Q5) What can help you stay updated on the latest eCommerce trends?
There’s a wealth of information available online! Industry publications, blogs from eCommerce leaders, and even social media groups dedicated to eCommerce can be excellent resources. Look for reputable sources that provide data-driven insights and practical advice for implementing the latest trends in your online store.
