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9 Major E-Commerce Trends That Will Help Grow Your Online Business

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

E-commerce market research

U.S. retail e-commerce keeps setting records. In 2024, Americans spent $1.19 trillion online. Aaccording to the United States Census Bureau in Q2 2025 e-commerce totaled $304.2 billion, accounting for 16.3% of all retail sales.

Globally, according to  EMARKETER, retail e-commerce is projected to reach about $6.42 trillion in 2025.

global ecommerce sales

Let’s look at what leading players are betting on—and which trends will shape the industry next.

1. Efficient logistics and reduced delivery times

e-commerce order

Amazon continues to lead the pack. In 2018, Prime Now produced delivery speed records – 8 minutes in Berkeley, CA, and 9 minutes in Kirkland, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. Today, the scale and sophistication are even more impressive. In 2023, Amazon delivered over 7 billion items globally with same- or next-day delivery, up 65 % year-over-year, supported by a network of 55+ Same-Day Delivery sites and a highly regionalized fulfillment strategy. 

That sounds like something out of Science Fiction. But look: In the fight for customer loyalty, online stores of the leading e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Bigcommerce, Volusion and other reduce delivery times.

2. Mobile sales

Amazon dropship

Mobile commerce continues to surge. In 2024, smartphones accounted for 72% of U.S. e-commerce transactions, and sales are projected to grow at a 12.1% CAGR through 2030, according to a Mordor Intelligence report. Total U.S. mobile commerce sales are expected to climb from around $360 billion in 2021 to approximately $710 billion by 2025, based on research from Amra & Elma.

In 2023 alone, mobile purchases surpassed $510 billion, making up 41.8% of all online sales. According to eMarketer, that share will rise to 43.7% in 2024.

This reinforces the importance of adopting a mobile-first design for online stores: optimized UX/UI, simplified checkout, and fast loading speeds are now essential for conversion.

3. Augmented Reality Technologies

e-commerce trends Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) has moved from novelty to a core driver of e-commerce growth.

According to a BrandXR report, nearly 60% of Americans will be regular AR users by 2025, and more than 90% of shoppers have either tried AR or are willing to use it when shopping online. Remarkably, 98% say AR helps them make purchase decisions, while 92% of Gen Z consumers actively want AR tools when shopping.

Gartner forecasts that by 2025, 80% of retailers will integrate AR into their customer experience strategies. Retailers who add 3D/AR product content see conversion rates rise by as much as 94%, while return rates can drop by up to 40%, highlighting AR’s ability to build consumer confidence.

Real-world adoption is accelerating: Wayfair’s “View in Room 3D” feature has tripled conversions compared to standard product listings. Similarly, research by REYDAR shows that 80% of retail brands are expected to deploy AR-enabled product visualizations in 2025, with AR shopping experiences proving 200% more engaging than static ones.

Consumer expectations are clear: a Lumus Vision study reports that 61% of shoppers prefer stores offering AR, 71% would shop more often if AR were available, and 40% are even willing to pay more for AR-enhanced products. By 2025, it’s estimated that one-third of U.S. shoppers will use AR when shopping online, with penetration reaching up to 45% in the Middle East.

4. Using Big Data

e-commerce trends Big Data

The accumulation and analysis of consumer data is a powerful tool to increasing sales. By tracking user behavior in the network, retailers are able to make accurate offers to their customers thereby increasing the chances of making a purchase.

Large online stores have already accumulated a large amount of data about their customers. Now the question is, who will learn how to use this information more effectively – it will give a noticeable competitive advantage.

5. Social commerce and user-generated content

e-connerce trends - 5. Social commerce and user-generated content

Online stores have long used content in social media to attract a loyal audience. In recent years, online sales are increasingly merging with social networks.

On the one hand, social media are introducing more and more new features for sales.

Facebook is already testing Live Video Mode for Sellers and the ability to process payments directly to Facebook Messenger.

Several e-commerce features have tested by Instagram over the past two years – including shopping tags, Promote Ads, built-in payments, and even a separate mobile app for shopping.

On the other hand, online retailers and marketplaces learn to use user-generated content.

Everything started with the reviews, but they were not limited. For example, users can write reviews, tips, articles about products and how to choose them.

6. Artificial intelligence and real-time interaction with the client

e-commerce trends Artificial intelligence and real-time interaction with the client

The times when the online store support service could not respond to the customer’s request for several days will irrevocably disappear. Now, online retailers are increasingly relying on chat-bots to help and advice customers. They work around the clock and instantly navigate in large volumes of information about goods and services.

7. Integration of ERP Software with e-commerce

e-commerce trends ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software

Internal processes of e-commerce retailers are also switching to total automation. Previously, entire departments of employees were required to interact with suppliers and track items in warehouses.

Now, more and more successful companies, adopted ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software for the management of core business processes. The most popular ERP software for e-commerce:

• Oracle JD Edwards
• Microsoft Dynamics family of ERPs
• SAP
• and other more ERP software solutions

Helpful Information:

Fully integrated with B2C or B2B e-commerce web-stores, an ERP software can power your business and move your online store to the next level.

8. Integrating e-commerce and CRM application

e-commerce trends -CRM integration

CRM (Customer-relationship management) system allows to collect, manage and use customer relationship data to improve your online business. CRM can eliminate lost sales, and help you build a loyal customer base.

Key e-commerce companies that run their business successfully on leading platforms for global trade, such Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Shopify, Magento etc.,  have already integrated their CRM with their online stores and enjoy the benefits.

Helpful Information: How to get more out of Salesforce with EDI Integration

9. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and B2B e-commerce

e-commerce trends EDI Integration

Last but definitely not least: your e-commerce business should be supported by EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). In many cases, it’s almost impossible to trade without using EDI. In B2B e-commerce, EDI has become mandatory for trading with the majority of big retailers such as Target, Walmart, Home Depot or Costco, because they work exclusively with businesses that meet their EDI requirements and comply with their EDI specifications.

What are the benefits of EDI in e-commerce?

  • Reduced document processing time
  • Works all over the world, does not depend on time and provides a fast flow of information
  • No errors related to manual data input
  • Guaranteed delivery of messages (due to notify the sender about documents delivery);
  • Acceleration of logistics operations
  • Security and confidentiality of information
  • Reduction of costs associated with paper circulation

Helpful Information:

For the last 25 years, EDI2XML has been helping companies of all sizes with their EDI integration projects. We take care of all aspects of EDI “complexities” due to our fully managed EDI service, or EDI Web Service

Total Automation 

Automation of everything that can be automated is the most important trend of our time. If you are looking to develop a high-volume e-commerce business, and you don’t yet have all the elements outlined, it’s time to start. We can help you with the most important part of e-commerce integration with ERP, CRM, and EDI.

Our “Fully managed cloud integration” service can solve all your integration challenges, and you’re your company achieve its business and technical goals in this highly competitive space.

Contact our team for a free consultation.

FAQ E-Commerce Trends

What are the current trends shaping the future of e-commerce?

The key trends include efficient logistics with reduced delivery times, a surge in mobile sales, the adoption of augmented reality technologies, utilization of big data, social commerce and user-generated content, artificial intelligence for real-time customer interaction, integration of ERP and CRM systems, and the implementation of EDI for B2B transactions.

How is logistics innovation impacting e-commerce delivery times?

Leading companies like Amazon are significantly reducing delivery times through regionalization, advanced warehousing technology such as robotic systems, and innovative services like Prime Air drones, enabling same-day or next-day delivery and boosting customer satisfaction.

Why is mobile commerce so important in e-commerce growth?

Mobile commerce is essential because smartphones accounted for 72% of U.S. e-commerce transactions in 2024, and this share is expected to grow further. A mobile-first design optimizes the shopping experience, leading to higher conversion rates and increased sales.

What role does augmented reality play in online shopping?

AR enhances online shopping by allowing customers to visualize products in their real environment, increasing confidence in purchase decisions, reducing return rates, and making the shopping experience more engaging, especially among younger consumers like Generation Z.

How does EDI facilitate efficient B2B e-commerce?

EDI streamlines document processing, ensures secure and error-free data exchange, accelerates logistics, and reduces costs associated with manual processes. It is crucial for trading with large retailers such as Target and Walmart, which require EDI-compliant transactions.

 

 

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4 Challenges of EDI and Drop-Ship in eCommerce


This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

EDI integration projects


The term “drop-ship” has been used quite a lot in recent years by retailers and manufacturers alike. This supply chain management method looks to be gaining in popularity going into 2019 and will likely be in high demand for years to come as well.

Let me first explain the meaning of drop shipping and how it has become so popular…

What is Drop Shipping?

“Drop-ship” is a fulfillment method where a merchant does not carry any inventory on hand. Instead they sell products to consumers via an online store (eCommerce), send the customers’ orders to the manufacturer and have the manufacturer ship the goods directly to the customer. The customer will never know the difference since they pay the merchant and receive their goods in a box with the merchant’s labels. This method eliminates the need for the merchant to handle the goods.

The Rise of Drop-Ship Popularity

Due to the fast evolution of eCommerce, coupled with the continuous challenges that businesses face to reduce costs and increase profitability, the drop-ship method is in high in demand by major retailers. You’ll find that eCommerce giants like Amazon.com, Costco.com, Cabelas.com, Sears.com and others, are increasing the pressure on their supply chain to adopt the drop-ship concept. Of course, they also require their business partners to comply with their EDI requirements and specs for a full automation of the entire sales cycle.

The Complexity behind Drop Shipping

If we take a behind-the-scenes look at drop shipping from 2 perspectives, from the eCommerce retailer, like Amazon or Cabela’s, and from the manufacturer of goods, we’ll find the simplicities and complexities behind each process.

From the perspective of the eCommerce retailer, the drop-ship method allows them to eliminate the need to carry any inventory and to ship their goods. Their process is rather simple, profitable and quick. All they need to do is sell products online and ensure that their partnered manufacturers are EDI and drop-ship ready. Once they sell products from their eCommerce site, they will send the orders via EDI to their manufacturer and the manufacturer takes it from there.

From the perspective of the manufacturer, we’ll find some of the complexities. However, if they are setup correctly from the get-go, then it becomes rather simple and quick. In this case, the drop-shipper (manufacturer or distributer) is entirely in charge of the fulfillment of all incoming eCommerce orders (from the retailer). They need to process the sale all the while complying with the retailer’s business specifications such as EDI. Let’s go over the top 4 challenges a manufacturer must overcome during a drop-ship EDI implementation;

Top 4 Challenges the Drop-Shipper Might Face

If you are a manufacturer and have recently partnered with an eCommerce retailer to sell your products, then you might already know that they will require you to drop ship and automate your sales process through EDI integration. I have listed below the top 4 challenges you might face as a drop shipper;

1.    Ability to submit accurate inventory feed (846) to the eCommerce retailer

When starting a new business relationship with an eCommerce retailer based on the drop-ship method, the first step will be to feed inventory & per-item stock statuses to the retailer in a timely manner. This inventory inquiry/advice document is called EDI 846. Major retailers such as Amazon.com, Cabelas.com, Costco.com and Wal-Mart.com require their Trading Partners to send them an 846 document at least twice a day so that their online store can properly show only available products, based on inventory available to ship. Most of the time, companies either don’t have an accurate inventory system or their stock status is not properly maintained, which can be a great challenge to overcome. Even if companies have accurate inventory statuses, many of their management software systems, even reputable and expensive systems such as JDE, do not have built-in capabilities to send the 846-inventory status in X12 format, as per the requirements of the retailers.

2.    Ability to receive and process EDI orders (850)

Another challenge comes in the form of receiving EDI purchase orders (document 850). Many companies struggle with the capability to receive EDI orders, process them and integrate them quickly into their management system before it is sent to the pick/pack/ship process down the line in the supply chain. Most software systems are still missing this integration capability and require end users to manually key-in orders received in EDI x12 format, to then be able to process and ship. This is a great challenge for many manufacturing and distribution businesses. Dealing with eCommerce Stores, orders are continuously coming in, at all hours, in high volumes. The client (retailer) typically expects the manufacturers to ship within 24 to 48 hours (at the latest!). Moreover, eCommerce retailers are expecting to receive a P/O acknowledgment (document 855) via EDI. Therefore, it’s extremely critical that the drop shipper is equipped with a fully integrated software solution where EDI orders can automatically come through in real-time, so that they are quickly processed.

3.    Ability to fulfill orders within a very short period of time

As previously mentioned, eCommerce retailers expect their partners to ship goods to the end-consumer within a very short time frame (24 to 48 hours). They expect them to package the products, print customized picking/packing slips to send with the goods and complete the shipping process in a very quick manner. In case of failure to comply, there is a risk the vendor will be eliminated from the program. At the logistics level, an important challenge is to have a management system and required resources to process orders, pick, pack and ship in the required time frame. Efficiency in this case is imperative since time is money.

4.    Ability to electronically submit Ship Notices (856) & Invoices (810)

Two other EDI x12 documents are sent out to the eCommerce retailer by the drop shipper; the Advance Ship Notice or ASN (document 856) and of course an invoice (document 810). Most companies don’t currently have the capability to turn those business documents into an x12 EDI format and submit to the Trading Partner, straight from their management system.

Overcoming Drop-Ship Challenges

Our team’s experience with EDI drop-ship has allowed us to overcome the above challenges in an efficient and timely manner. Since every project varies, it’s important to do the following;

  • Surround yourself with experts in EDI who have the experience in dealing with drop-ship projects. It’s important to have enough knowledge and expertise in these methods prior to beginning any EDI drop-ship project. It’s important to get organized internally before any major project.
  • Ask an EDI Provider, who offers flexible and affordable EDI & IT services, to help you streamline your processes and advise you on best practices.
  • Opt for a full EDI integration with your current management software solution, if possible. Of course, such an option is not always possible or provided by your Software provider but if it is, it’s our recommendation to go ahead with this since it will eliminate chargebacks and increase efficiency in your EDI projects so you are best capable of complying with your Trading Partners’ demands. Don’t forget, partner demands and specs can change at any moment. It’s best to ensure you can handle changes at a moment’s notice. (Flexibility is the way to go!)

If you’re looking to complete an EDI Drop-Ship project, contact us today. We’ve got the experts and the EDI2XML service to get you drop-ship ready. Contact us today for your FREE consultation to evaluate your EDI project.

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