Thanks to the explosion of ecommerce over the past couple decades, consumers can find virtually any product or service they can think of online. In fact, the consumer ecommerce market is expected to approach $6 trillion by 2027, according to the International Trade Administration, up from roughly $4 trillion in 2024.
While major marketplace retailers still lead the category, ecommerce has become commonplace among small businesses, too. However, small businesses are grappling with challenges such as inflation, supply chain issues, and keeping pace with major retailers, among others, that are driving a variety of ecommerce trends in 2025 and beyond, including:
Video Content
Videos that explain how to use products, offer tips for using them, and demonstrate projects that were completed using a product all earn favor with shoppers. In addition, videos that highlight product features, video reviews on social media, and “live shopping events” on the social channels of ecommerce retailers can provide a more appealing interactive experience for shoppers. Short-form videos sweeping social media also drive engagements and offer a quick, appealing way to demonstrate new or popular products.
Personalized Products
Online buying platforms that allow for customization of products such as shoes, clothing, and drinkware can create buyer engagement and earn loyal shoppers. In fact, a survey by McKinsey Insights found 80% of loyal customers prefer shopping with brands that offer tailored choices and personalized experiences.
Beyond the initial purchase, customized reports and shipping notifications are also becoming the norm. Shippers can alert customers to their products’ delivery status – including any delays or changes – via email, text, video message, or a customizable dashboard where consumers can view incoming shipments tied to their account or address, request a different delivery time or location, pre-sign for packages, and more.
Micro Purchasing Moments
Impulse buys or convenience purchases are typically made by someone looking for a quick solution or information in a hurry from a mobile device. Ecommerce sites that can establish themselves as a resource, make information easy to digest, and simplify the purchasing process are earning customers (and revenue).
Flexible Payment Options
While this trend has been growing for several years, many contemporary ecommerce sites now accept credit or debit cards, online checks, digital wallet and mobile payment services, cryptocurrency, and even installment payments via third-party providers. By 2029, the third-party payment market is expected to almost double from $62.5 billion in 2024, according to findings from Mordor Intelligence.
Simplified Shipping Options
Evolving technology isn’t just improving the browsing and purchasing side of ecommerce; shipping operations are also seeing enhancements. For example, ShipAccel, a digital platform designed by Pitney Bowes, simplifies and enhances shipping operations with advanced ecommerce technology. The platform empowers early ecommerce brands to ship like larger companies with access to discounted carrier rates; more than 80 integrations including leading marketplaces, data and insights to help make smarter shipping decisions; branded tracking; and return capabilities. It features a collection of apps, widgets and application programming interfaces to easily configure new workflows and seamlessly meet the demands of business growth.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
