With so much data available, it can be difficult for eCommerce brands to cut through the noise and find the path forward. So, we've reviewed the trends and narrowed them down to seven for you to focus on for 2025.
1. Social Commerce Continues to Grow
Social commerce has really taken off in recent years, and it looks like it's going to keep climbing in the months ahead. Last year, it brought in about $570.7 billion, and experts are saying it could grow to over $1.085 trillion by 2028!
Right now, more than 106 million buyers are making these sales happen, and there's a good chance that number will grow to 118 million by 2027, according to Insider Intelligence. They also suggest that the amount each buyer spends could double between 2023 and 2027!
Facebook leads the way in social commerce.
Facebook's currently at the forefront of social commerce, with predictions showing it will welcome 67.8 million buyers in 2024. On top of that, Instagram is set to see 45.3 million buyers and TikTok is looking at 35.8 million buyers in 2025.
While Facebook and Instagram have dialed back their focus on social shopping, TikTok is doubling down on eCommerce. By the end of 2026 TikTok could welcome 15.8 million new social buyers.
TikTok primed to make a surge in the eCommerce space.
In September 2023, TikTok rolled out its Shop features for everyone in the US, making it super easy for users to buy products straight from TikTok videos or the handy "shop" tab.
Then, also in September, TikTok teamed up with Amazon to add "Buy with Prime" functionality to the platform, allowing users to checkout with Amazon Prime directly from TikTok.
TikTok's executive team predicted that their global eCommerce sales would reach at least $20 billion in 2023, a big jump from the $4.4 billion they made in 2022.
Don't sleep on Pinterest for social commerce.
Pinterest, often seen as an underdog in the world of eCommerce, is starting to shine. In May 2023, they struck their own deal with Amazon to make shopping on Pinterest even easier for its users.
In the third quarter of 2023, Pinterest reported that sales increased by 6% from the previous year, hitting a total of $708 million.
2. Customer Experience Boosted by AI
Creating superior buying experiences for you customers has always been crucial to success in, not just eCommerce, but all commerce. As AI tools get more sophisticated, so do the options for personalized buying experiences.
Thanks to the latest AI advancements, eCommerce companies can now make online shopping experiences even better for customers while also cutting down on customer support costs. And this is a big deal to online shoppers.
According to a Salesforce study, 92% of shoppers are likely to come back for more after a great customer experience. Plus, almost 80% of folks make their buying choices based on how well a brand treats them. On the other hand, 40% of consumers say poor customer service is a deal breaker.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way we shop online, making it more personalized, efficient, and enjoyable. Here are three key ways AI is enhancing the customer experience:
Personalized Recommendations
AI algorithms can now analyze your browsing and purchase history to offer tailored product suggestions. This personalized approach not only saves time but also increases the likelihood of finding items you'll love. Think of it like having a shopping buddy who really knows what you like and leading you to the right parts of the store to find it.
Seamless Customer Support
AI-powered chatbots are here for you around the clock, ready to answer your questions and sort out any issues in no time. These helpful virtual assistants offer quick support, making sure you're a happy customer!
Virtual Try-On and Augmented Reality Previews:
AI-powered virtual try-on technology lets you visualize how clothing and accessories will look on you without leaving your home. This innovative feature reduces return rates and boosts customer confidence.
Check out some more fun ways eCommerce companies are using AI to make your shopping experience even better:
- AI writing assistants generate replies for human agents to use in answering customer support tickets
- AI provides product recommendations that are most aligned with the customer's interests and purchasing history
- AI and machine learning automate inventory management to ensure the data displayed to customers is always accurate
- AI assists with translating both website content and customer support tickets to help ecommerce brands better serve international customers
- AI sentiment analysis tools analyze reviews and identify the most common customer complaints
3. Influencer Marketing Will Continue to Grow and Evolve
Influencer marketing has already made significant waves in the eCommerce industry, and its impact is only set to grow in 2025. According to Statista, the global influencer marketing market is projected to reach a value of approximately $22.2 billion by 2025. This represents a significant increase from the estimated $15.2 billion market size in 2022.
Trends in Influencer Marketing to watch in 2025:
The Rise of Micro-Influencers
While macro-influencers still hold significant sway, micro-influencers are gaining traction. These smaller influencers often have more engaged audiences, leading to higher conversion rates and better ROI for brands.
AI-Powered Influencer Marketing
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing influencer marketing by automating tasks, analyzing data, and identifying the most suitable influencers for specific campaigns. This will lead to more efficient and effective influencer partnerships.
Short-Form Video Dominance
Short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels will continue to dominate the influencer marketing landscape. Brands will need to adapt their strategies to these platforms to reach younger audiences and drive sales.
Increased Focus on Authenticity and Transparency
Consumers are becoming increasingly discerning, and they value authenticity. Brands will need to partner with influencers who genuinely align with their brand values and can create authentic content that resonates with their audience.
4. Desire for Sustainability Continues to Rise
As Gen Z continues to flex buying power in eCommerce, sustainability will become even more important for brands. A whopping 62% of Gen Z shoppers love choosing sustainable brands, and an impressive 73% are happy to spend a bit more for eco-friendly products. Plus, both Gen Z and Millennials are likely to make buying choices that reflect their personal, social, and environmental values.
Sustainable eCommerce trends to watch for 2025
The Rise of Sustainable Brands
Get ready to see a bunch of new brands popping up with a focus on sustainability, bringing you eco-friendly alternatives to the usual products. Even the well-known brands are jumping on board, tweaking their products and marketing to embrace sustainable practices and win over eco-conscious shoppers like you!
Transparency & Traceability
Shoppers are going to be asking for more openness about where products come from and how they're made. Brands will focus on ethical sourcing and fair labor practices to keep that trust with their customers.
Sustainable Packaging
You'll start seeing more recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable packaging materials popping up. Brands are also going to embrace minimalist packaging designs to help cut down on waste and reduce their carbon footprint.
Circular Economy
Brands are going to put more effort into making products last longer by offering repair, refurbishment, and recycling options. Plus, rental and subscription models are set to become more popular, helping cut down on the need for single-use items.
5. Brands Without Streamlined Payment Options Will Lose
One one hand, this is obvious. The more difficult it is to checkout at your cart, the more likely you are to experience abandoned carts. This isn't even a trend anymore, it's a standard to compete.
Speaking of Gen Z, 65% say they will abandon an online purchase if the payment option they want isn’t available.
So, if you haven't already, you should plan on implementing a slew of improvements to your checkout experience. Here are some to focus on:
To make online checkout easier for shoppers, brands should focus on streamlining the process and minimizing friction. Here are some effective strategies:- Simplify the checkout process by reducing form fields. Only ask for essential information.
- Allow customers to purchase without creating an account (guest checkout).
- Present all checkout steps on a single page.
- Optimize the checkout process for mobile devices.
- Include credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other popular options.
- Offer flexible payment plans to attract customers.
- Calculate shipping costs accurately based on the customer's location and order details.
- Provide estimated delivery dates/times.
- Incentivize purchases with free shipping promotions.
- Use SSL certificates to encrypt sensitive information.
- Display trust badges from reputable security providers.
- Make it easy for customers to proceed to the next step.
- Show customers how far they've progressed in the checkout process.
- Keep the checkout page focused on the essential steps.
6. Mobile Checkouts could Reach nearly 60% of Total eCommerce Sales in 2025
Although we don't have the exact numbers for all of 2024 just yet, it's pretty clear that a big chunk of eCommerce sales in 2024 happened on mobile devices.
According to Adobe Analytics, mobile shopping was expected to drive around 53% of online sales during the 2024 holiday season. This trend of increasing mobile commerce has been consistent over the past few years.
A substantial portion, likely exceeding 50%, of eCommerce sales in 2024 were completed on mobile devices. Therefore, there's little reason to think it won't keep growing.
Mobile commerce even extends to in-store shopping.
Shoppers aren't just using their smartphones to shop from the comfort of their homes; they're bringing their mobile devices along for in-store shopping to price compare and get discounts from price-matching.
Almost three-quarters of shoppers are likely to whip out their devices in-store to use a retailer's app, scan QR codes, text to join a loyalty program, and check out product reviews.
This means it's more important than ever to optimize your entire eCommerce ecosystem for mobile shopping.
7. Augmented Reality for Interactive Shopping will Grow
Once seen as a novelty, Augmented Reality has quickly found a home in eCommerce. Nearly 50% of consumers use AR while shopping according to ThinkMobiles. That's staggering on it's face, but we should expect that trend to hold.
Through immersive experiences, AR will transform product visualization, allowing customers to virtually try on clothing, accessories, and even view furniture in their homes.
AR can create personalized shopping experiences, providing interactive product demos and tailored recommendations when paired with AI.
Brands can also use AR to create virtual showrooms and turn shopping into a fun gamified experience. Plus, AR can help with remote customer support, offering real-time assistance to make things easier for everyone.
As AR technology continues to advance, it will undoubtedly continue to reshape the eCommerce in 2025, driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Despite the ups and downs in the world and economic uncertainties, eCommerce spending continues to rise. Shoppers have more choices than ever, which is encouraging retailers to come up with fun and innovative ways to grab attention and keep folks coming back for more.
Ready to crush your 2025 goals?
Contact a Finch eCommerce expert today!
