What will e-commerce look like in 2025? As the year ends, we think about the changes we’ve seen and what might come next. Predicting the future is never easy, but with years of experience in digital transformation, we’ve seen how fast e-commerce can evolve. We work closely with our customers and keep an eye on what's new in the industry. This has taught us a lot about what might happen next. In this article, we will overview seven trends we believe will shape e-commerce in the next year.  

What is Global E-commerce?

Global e-commerce involves selling products or services online internationally. It helps businesses reach global markets through digital channels. 

The future of global e-commerce looks bright. Reports predict that B2B e-commerce could reach a whopping $36 trillion by 2026, and B2C e-commerce can climb to about $5.5 trillion by 2027. 

Also, by 2027, 23% of all buying is expected to occur online. This shows how important online selling is for shops worldwide. 

This growth isn’t limited to just a few countries. Casey Armstrong, CMO at ShipBob, highlights the opportunities in other regions, saying: 

“While e-commerce discussions often center on North America, many international markets are experiencing even faster growth. By analyzing demand in these regions, merchants can strategically expand their reach. This insight has driven ShipBob to establish fulfillment centers in Canada and the UK, with plans for expansion into Australia.” 

7 E-Commerce Trends for Online Selling in 2025 

Online shopping is shifting fast as new technologies pop up and customer preferences evolve. Looking ahead to 2025, businesses that sell their products and services online will see significant changes. Key developments like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, sustainability initiatives, and social commerce will shape the industry's direction. These changes will define the next era of digital retail. 

 1. AI-Powered Personalization and Automation 

AI is the game-changer for e-commerce, making shopping experiences more personal and efficient. Moreover, AI-powered product recommendations, chatbots, and virtual assistants help businesses provide personalized experiences to many customers. The data demonstrates this impact clearly. 

According to the DHL e-commerce trends report, a 15% rise in automated warehouse systems helps companies improve logistics and meet growing consumer expectations for fast, hassle-free shopping.  

Forbes states that small businesses implementing AI-driven personalization can see up to a 50% boost in conversion rates and a 30% increase in average order value. AI-powered tools like smart inventory management systems also cut down stock shortages by 50% and reduce excess inventory by 30%, helping businesses operate more efficiently.  

Here's how AI is transforming the shopping experience in online retail: 

• AI-driven personalization: The era of basic "you may also like" suggestions is over. AI examines customers' shopping patterns to suggest items that match their preferences or predict their future needs. This targeted approach to product recommendations leads to higher purchase rates and enhanced customer loyalty. 

• Smart pricing strategies: Fixed pricing is becoming obsolete. AI now instantly processes user interactions, market dynamics, and competitive prices to implement flexible pricing that maximizes sales and profits. Consider offering discounted rates to shoppers who spend time viewing specific items or modifying prices during high-traffic periods. 

2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)  

AR and VR are changing online shopping by making it more interactive and fun. These technologies allow customers to try on clothes virtually or see how furniture would look in their homes, bridging the gap between online and in-person shopping.  

Check out how AR and VR tech could change up your digital shop game and make your online business soar: 

• AR virtual try-on: Let your customers try on jewelry, clothes, or glasses with a digital test before they hit the buy button. This feature reduces the number of items people send back, which means more cash in your pocket. 

• VR visualization: This tool lets your clients see how new furniture would look in their house, imagine how kitchen gadgets fit in their space, or even take a pretend walk-round of cars. It takes away the guesswork and makes shoppers more sure about their choices. 

This trend is significant in sectors like fashion and electronics, where seeing a product up close can make all the difference. A recent survey by Google found that 66% of shoppers want AR features while shopping and 71% would shop more often if AR were widely available.  

The VR software market in the UK is expected to hit $167.3 million by 2024. The government also backs innovation with initiatives like the Digital Catapult accelerator program for AR and VR startups.  

3. Social Commerce and Live Shopping  

Social media has evolved beyond a platform for friendships into a powerful retail hub. Modern platforms integrate shopping features, real-time commerce options, and interactive tools that enable businesses to engage directly with their customer base. 

This shift has transformed consumer purchasing behavior. According to Deloitte, nearly two-thirds of digital consumers discover new brands via social platforms, frequently influenced by trusted content creators and influencers. The trend of live commerce sessions, where companies demonstrate products and provide immediate customer support, continues to gain traction, with 40% of consumers expressing interest in participating. 

4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices  

Environmental consciousness drives UK consumer behavior, with 60% preferring green delivery methods. This trend compels companies to embrace sustainable solutions, including eco-friendly packaging materials and delivery fleets powered by electricity. 

Furthermore, Dealavo's research indicates that 73% of consumers would spend more on sustainable packaging, while 43% accept higher costs for green delivery options. Throughout Europe, environmental responsibility is becoming a crucial factor for e-commerce businesses to remain competitive in the market. 

To make your business more eco-friendly, you can use various techniques. Here are some ideas to get inspired: 

• Carbon footprint monitoring. Use specialized software to measure and evaluate your environmental impact through detailed analysis of operations, packaging methods, and delivery processes. 

• Eco-friendly packaging solutions. E-commerce platforms can connect with sustainable packaging providers. This means your customers get environmentally responsible options like recyclable and biodegradable materials. 

• Green brand collaborations. Consider forming alliances with environmentally conscious brands. You can expand your sustainable product offerings and strengthen your market position while supporting ecological values. 

5. Headless Commerce 

Headless commerce is a new way to run online stores. It separates the front-end (what customers see) from the back-end (how the store works). This lets businesses sell through many devices, even smart speakers or fitness trackers. It's flexible and helps stores adapt quickly to new sales channels. 

Many businesses are switching to headless commerce. Over 89% say it improves their performance. Experts predict the market for headless systems will grow to 5,528.5M by 2032. 

Businesses can try using headless commerce on platforms like Sanity.io, Strapi, Shopify Plus, or BigCommerce. Those using WordPress can also make it work as a headless system. This approach helps online stores stay up-to-date with changing customer needs. 

 6. Voice and Visual Search 

Visual search is expected to grow 17.5% annually, reaching $32 million by 2028. Major retailers like eBay and ASOS allow customers to upload photos to find similar products on their platforms. 

ASOS has implemented visual search through its Style Match feature. This innovative tool allows customers to upload photos of desired items and receive a list of similar products. 

Voice search is also gaining traction, with 47% of shoppers using voice commands and 58% reporting satisfaction. The voice search market is projected to grow from $11.21 billion in 2022 to $49.79 billion by 2029. 

7. Better Cross-Border Payment Options  

Making international shopping easier is another growing trend. Digital wallets, mobile payments, and buy-now-pay-later services give customers more flexibility. If you want to get customers worldwide, seamless, multi-currency payment options are the key.  

Yet, hidden fees on international transactions remain a challenge. In 2023, UK small businesses lost £2.8 billion due to undisclosed costs. These fees hurt profits and discourage businesses from expanding globally. Fixing this issue could open up significant opportunities for cross-border e-commerce, which is expected to grow by 20% annually.  

Conclusion 

Online shopping is changing a lot as we get closer to 2025.  Emerging technologies such as AI customization, augmented and virtual reality, social and headless commerce, eco-friendly practices, multiple payment methods, and voice/visual search enhance the digital shopping experience. With increasing online consumer activity, companies must embrace these evolving trends. The imperative is clear: evolve, modernize, and succeed. 

Want to pioneer the digital commerce transformation? Begin by incorporating these developments into your company's roadmap today. Svitla Systems' personalized methodology guarantees precise execution of concepts to deliver your objectives and enhance performance. 

Digital retail's next chapter has arrived – now is the moment to secure your position.