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10 Feb 2025

Vi Nguyen

10 Feb 2025

Keeping up with ecommerce trends is essential in today’s competitive market with over 30 million ecommerce websites worldwide. Join us as we delve into the 2024’s standout ecommerce trends, highlight real-world success stories from businesses that were quick to adapt, and uncover insights into the new ecommerce trends set to shape 2025.

The growth of the e-commerce industry has increased significantly over the years.

Ecommerce Trends that Conquered 2024

We have witnessed significant growth in the ecommerce industry in 2024, with total revenue from online transactions projected to exceed $6 trillion, reflecting an impressive 8.4% increase (Shopify). Let’s take a moment to look back and explore the key ecommerce trends that played a pivotal role in this success. Shall we?

Augmented Reality Shopping – Trying Before Buying

One of the biggest downsides of online shopping is the inability to personally inspect or handle a product before buying. Augmented Reality (AR) addresses this issue by offering consumers a more accurate sense of a product’s appearance and texture. This “try-before-buy” helps bridge the gap between expectations and reality, offering a more immersive and confident purchasing process, and gradually leading to greater post-purchase satisfaction.

Augmented Reality streamlines and accelerates purchase decisions.

Building on this, the adoption of AR in ecommerce new trends is soaring, with a staggering 1.73 billion AR-enabled devices projected to be in use worldwide (threekit). This remarkable surge reflects AR’s growing role in the latest trends of ecommerce, as it not only elevates the shopping experience but also reduces return rates by helping customers make better-informed decisions. With AR, shoppers can ensure products meet their expectations before clicking “buy”, creating an enjoyable shopping journey.

Voice Search – Simplifying the Shopping Journey

Gone are the days when customers had to type out product names to find what they needed. Thanks to voice search on ecommerce platforms, such as Amazon, a simple command like “Search for noise-cancelling headphones” now does the job in seconds. Even better, voice search delivers results in just 4.6 seconds on average, making it 52% faster than traditional search methods. 

Voice search technology is transforming the shopping experience.

The shift from traditional clicks to voice-driven searches is reshaping the ecommerce landscape, revolutionizing how businesses connect with their customers. With convenience being a top reason consumers shop online, voice search takes the experience to the next level, making it faster, easier, and more effortless than ever before. This new ecommerce trend is set to grow even further as voice search becomes a more integral part of the online shopping experience.

Social Commerce Expansion- Turning Social Media into Marketplaces

Social media platforms have transformed into more than just spaces for entertainment and connection. In a world where new apps and features emerge daily, staying relevant requires constant innovation. As a result, to remain competitive, many platforms have introduced a game-changing feature: the ability to discover, review, and purchase products directly within the app. This evolution has turned social media into a powerful blend of connection, content, and commerce. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are leading the charge, merging Social Media with ecommerce—a concept now known as Social Commerce.

The fusion of social media and e-commerce - Social Commerce.

In contrast to traditional social media marketing, where businesses pay to advertise and redirect customers to external websites or stores, this new trend of ecommerce revolutionizes the shopping experience by keeping the entire journey within the app. Customers can easily discover products through ads, posts, livestreams, or influencers; chat for personalized consultations; view product details; place orders; and even make payments—all without leaving their favorite social platforms. 

Given this, with social commerce adoption increasing by 23.6% in 2023, according to Statista, this ecommerce trend is set to become even more popular as consumer engagement continues to grow.

Omnichannel Ecommerce – Bridging Online and Offline

Picture yourself spotting a product on Instagram, adding it to your shopping cart with just a few taps on your phone, and picking it up at a nearby store later that same day—effortless and efficient. This is exactly what modern consumers want. Enter omnichannel eCommerce, a trend that transforms the retail experience by merging the best of online and offline worlds. By creating a unified shopping journey, businesses can meet customers wherever they are, whether scrolling through their phones or browsing the aisles of a physical store.

Omnichannel eCommerce helps closing the gap between online and offline shopping.

But omnichannel ecommerce isn’t just about convenience, it’s about crafting experiences that feel smooth and natural. Businesses that master this approach aren’t just increasing sales, they’re building lasting customer loyalty. As future ecommerce trends point toward even greater integration of physical and digital shopping experiences, omnichannel will continue to thrive.

Real-World Success from Companies Around the World

The ecommerce industry is bustling with companies eager to make their mark and dominate the competition. But in this fast-paced arena, only those who ride the wave of the latest ecommerce trends can stay ahead. Here are some standout brands that didn’t just keep up—they set the bar for what’s next!

IKEA – Pioneering AR Innovation

Buying furniture is no small task – it requires time, effort, and a keen eye for detail. A single miscalculation can lead to frustration and disappointment, whether it’s a couch that clashes with your house decoration or a table that doesn’t quite fit. Naturally, consumers would take their time, carefully evaluating whether a piece complements their space, suits their style, and meets the exact measurement. That’s why finding a solution to simplify this process isn’t just helpful – it’s absolutely essential. 

Considered one of the first few brands to launch a dedicated AR app, known as IKEA Place. This app set a new standard by allowing users to place true-to-scale 3D models of furniture in their homes using their smartphones, revolutionizing the way people shop for furniture online. By offering an immersive, realistic experience, IKEA Place has empowered customers to make more informed decisions, reducing product returns by 20% and boosting online sales by 35% (Appify Commerce).

IKEA is leading the Way in Augmented Reality Innovation

This creative and safe way to visualize purchases paved the way for other companies to adopt AR technology. Inspired by IKEA’s success, brands like Amazon introduced features like “View in Your Room” to elevate the online shopping experience even further. The rise of AR as part of new ecommerce trends is a testament to how technology can bridge the gap between the digital and physical shopping experiences.

Walmart – Leading the Omnichannel Revolution

It’s fair to say that Walmart is setting the standard in omnichannel retail, investing a staggering $1.2 billion into its ecommerce program to create a comprehensive shopping experience. CEO Doug McMillon affirmed this commitment, stating, “We will be the first to deliver a seamless shopping experience at scale. No matter how you choose to shop with us—through your mobile device, online, in a store, or a combination—it will be fast and easy.”

In the third quarter of 2024, Walmart expanded its online grocery pickup services to 85 locations, bringing the total to 140 stores across 25 metropolitan markets. This initiative underscores Walmart’s dedication to integrating its physical stores with digital platforms, ensuring customers can shop with ease and flexibility.

Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) service at Walmart.

At the heart of Walmart’s omnichannel strategy is its click-and-collect service, also known as Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS). This service allows customers to order products online and pick them up at a nearby store—often on the same day—eliminating shipping fees and catering to those who need items quickly. By leveraging its vast store network, Walmart has blurred the lines between physical and digital retail, offering a consistent and convenient experience that boosts both in-store and online sales.

As future ecommerce trends continue to shape the retail landscape, Walmart’s omnichannel approach remains a model for others to follow. The integration of physical stores with online platforms highlights the growing importance of creating unified shopping experiences for consumers.

TikTok – Dominating Social Commerce in Southeast Asia

Do you have amazing, high-potential products but feel stuck figuring out which platform to sell on or how to stand out in the crowded ecommerce landscape? Enter TikTok Shop—a game-changing collaboration between TikTok, one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, and Shopify, a leading ecommerce solution. This partnership combines TikTok’s massive reach and engaging content with Shopify’s robust selling capabilities, offering businesses of all sizes a powerful way to elevate their ecommerce game.

TikTok Shop integrates ecommerce fearures while maintaining its social, engaging twist.

This innovative approach has proven especially impactful in Southeast Asia, where social media has become a primary shopping destination. In 2024, TikTok Shop saw remarkable success in the region, with five Southeast Asian countries ranking in the top five positions for GMV (Gross Merchandise Value). Together, they accounted for over 80% of TikTok Shop’s total GMV, and more than 95% of sales by volume were generated in the region.

In countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, platforms like TikTok aren’t just for connecting with friends—they’re central to discovering, reviewing, and purchasing products. TikTok Shop integrates ecommerce features such as product reviews, tracking, and brand support, all while maintaining its social, engaging twist. This fusion of entertainment and shopping is redefining the online retail landscape, especially in regions where social commerce thrives.

The rise of social commerce represents the latest trends in ecommerce that businesses are rapidly adopting. With platforms evolving to create shopping experiences within their social environments, this trend is set to continue influencing new ecommerce trends across the globe.

What To Expect in the Future

Ecommerce in 2025 is gearing up for a revolution – AR shopping experiences, social commerce, or voice search are just the start. Ready to discover what’s next in ecommerce trends?

Sustainability – Embracing an Eco-friendly Lifestyle

Sales, revenue, and profits used to be the gold standard for measuring a company’s success. But today, sustainability is taking center stage, becoming the key factor in deciding which brands truly deserve our loyalty and partnership. In 2025, sustainability is set to dominate ecommerce trends.

Sustainability is set to dominate ecommerce trends in 2025.

Rising environmental and social concerns are reshaping consumer expectations and prompting governments to pressure businesses into adopting sustainable practices. For ecommerce companies, this means balancing exceptional customer experiences with eco-conscious operations. From packaging materials to manufacturing and logistics, every aspect is under scrutiny to minimize emissions and embrace sustainability.

Embracing eco-friendly innovations isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about redefining leadership in ecommerce and turning sustainability into a powerful competitive edge. Businesses are rewriting the rules by adopting transformative practices, such as eco-friendly packaging that swaps waste for biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials; or sustainable sourcing and production, prioritizing renewable materials, fair trade practices, and energy-efficient supply chains. 

Together, these changes aren’t just good for the planet—they’re reshaping the future trends of ecommerce.

Generative AI – Humanizing Customer Interactions

Generative AI has completely transformed ecommerce, making customer engagement, content creation, and personalization more dynamic. With this cutting-edge technology, businesses can generate unique product descriptions, eye-catching images, and even entirely new products, upending traditional retail methods. Gartner forecasts that by 2025, generative AI will contribute to 10% of global data generation, a massive jump from less than 1% in 2021.

As ecommerce trends evolve, AI is enabling brands to deliver hyper-personalized shopping experiences, from tailored product recommendations to customized search results and exclusive promotions. Tools like ChatGPT allow companies to create highly engaging, interactive experiences that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Generative AI revolutionizing creativity and innovation.

The rise of online shopping isn’t just about convenience—it’s about brands offering a deeply personalized journey that resonates with each shopper’s unique preferences. As future ecommerce trends unfold, generative AI is paving the way for smarter, more intuitive online experiences that keep customers coming back for more. 

Fraud Protection – Securing an Online Shopping Environment

As we move into 2025, ecommerce trends are prioritizing advanced fraud protection measures to ensure safer and more secure online transactions. With online shopping booming, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, requiring businesses to adopt smarter security solutions. AI and machine learning will lead the charge, using behavioral analysis to detect suspicious activity in real time—creating a virtual “security guard” for every transaction. This trend will allow for faster and more accurate fraud detection, making the shopping experience safer for customers.

Advanced fraud protection for secure transactions.

Another critical ecommerce trend will be the widespread adoption of biometric authentication and multi-factor authentication (MFA). These technologies add an extra layer of security, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, ensuring that only authorized users can access accounts.

In 2025, fraud protection will not just be a necessity; it will be a driving force behind customer trust, ensuring ecommerce platforms remain secure and transparent.

B2B Sales – Advancing Beyond Legacy Technology 

Ecommerce trends are no longer limited to B2C transactions as B2B companies are breaking the mold. In the past, B2B sales, with their complex catalogs, longer decision-making processes, and multiple stakeholders, faced challenges due to a lack of tailored solutions. However, the rise of new ecommerce trends is changing that.

B2B Sales Moving Beyond Traditional Technology.

B2B ecommerce has evolved with features like personalized pricing, custom shipping rates, reordering capabilities, and customer portals, now essential for delivering seamless, customer-focused experiences. These innovations, once thought exclusive to B2C, are now a vital part of B2B.

Driven by leaders demanding smarter, faster solutions, B2B companies are adopting modern technologies to sell complex products, such as industrial machinery. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 80% of B2B sales interactions between suppliers and buyers will occur in digital channels. B2B ecommerce trends are no longer just catching up to B2C—they are shaping their future. With breakthrough technology and customer-centric strategies, B2B is poised to lead the charge in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Stay tune for more ecommerce trends updates.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of the new ecommerce trends is crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. For businesses, adapting to these changes isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a necessity.

To remain at the forefront of these innovations, businesses can leverage specialized ecommerce solutions and expertise. NTQ, a leading provider of digital transformation services, offers trailblazing ecommerce strategies tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to integrate AR shopping features, enhance your omnichannel experience, or improve security with advanced fraud protection, NTQ has the knowledge and tools to help you succeed in this dynamic market.

NTQ’s comprehensive suite of products and services can streamline your ecommerce operations, improve customer experiences, and ensure you’re always ahead of the curve. By partnering with NTQ, you’ll have access to a team of experts dedicated to helping your business navigate the latest ecommerce trends and innovations. 

Ready to transform your ecommerce business? Get in touch with us today.

 

Tag: business development; eCommerce; Highlight; Industry Insights