5 Trends and Innovations Predicted to Shape eCommerce in 2025
2025 is set to be a seismic year for eCommerce – there’s a lot of buzz around technical innovation, the impact of Gen Z, and everything in between. 2024 already ushered in some revolutionary shifts: Generative AI – and ChatGPT in particular – became a bona fide household name, whilst social commerce accelerated to new heights. , and average consumer screen time is predicted to only continue growing this year.
But which trends matter most? To help you pinpoint where to focus, here are 5 key predictions and innovations for eCommerce in 2025 – number 5 might surprise you.
Prediction 1: Generative AI will be an essential part of the eCommerce toolkit.
2024 was a big year for GenAI – and in 2025, its meteoric growth shows no signs of faltering. AI is already playing a huge role in personalising the shopping experience, with to deliver more tailored experiences for their customers. In 2025, GenAI will take things one step further: it’s predicted that . And with new research from McKinsey demonstrating that , GenAI is increasingly an easy decision for eCommerce brands looking to stay ahead.
Brands that adopt and invest in this technology will have the tools to enhance the customer journey, drive traffic and revenue, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Prediction 2: Trust will be a non-negotiable.
It’s a hyper-personalised world out there, and consumers are becoming increasingly wary of how their data is being used by brands. , whilst . at all.
Meanwhile, regulatory bodies are actively investigating and penalising companies that violate data privacy laws – , claiming the firms were unlawfully sending European Union user data to China.
Safeguarding and signposting trust will be of vital importance for winning shoppers back to your eCommerce site, time and time again. , showcasing the significant financial opportunity for businesses that prioritise trust.
Prediction 3: Everyone will be talking about agentic AI.
Agentic AI – that is, AI agents capable of independently executing customer or business requests – is one major innovation expected to see significant growth in popularity and adoption in 2025. Unlike traditional AI tools that require human input to complete tasks, agentic AI takes things further by independently carrying out complex processes without the need for constant human oversight. In short, agentic AI could be a genuine game-changer when it comes to maximising eCommerce efficiency and growth.
Although Agentic AI is still new on the scene, we’re already seeing some major early adopters. , a CX team of independent AI agents, in September 2024, and . It seems certain that 2025 will see agentic technology significantly develop, with the potential for huge, global adoption and innovation across the eCommerce landscape.
Prediction 4: Gen Z and Millennials will be at the heart of eCommerce strategy.
It’s probably no surprise, but winning over Gen Z and Millennials is anticipated to play a leading role in eCommerce innovation and strategy for 2025. Predictions suggest that , with . These generations are the internet’s digital natives – and consumer purchasing behaviours and brand expectations are already being fundamentally reshaped by where they hang out and what they care about.
They’re known for social media savviness for good reason. – and in the same study, over a fifth (22%) reported spending at least 7 hours or more on social media every day. With this in mind, user-generated content and influencer marketing are predicted to be key strategy points for eCommerce this year, as younger consumers increasingly tend towards trusting community voices over brands. – and it’s clear why
Brands that incorporate authenticity and social media into their strategy will be best positioned to win the loyalty of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers this year.
Prediction 5: Accessibility will become an urgent priority.
In 2025, accessibility will be an urgent necessity. From 28th June, new requirements will apply across the European Union to meet accessibility needs for all people with disabilities. – or risk facing legal consequences.
As things stand, As 2025 progresses, companies that prioritise accessibility will not only comply with new regulations but also stand to unlock significant untapped revenue by ensuring their sites are inclusive and user-friendly for all customers.
Looking ahead into the next year, generative AI, agentic AI, trust, and accessibility will be the defining pillars of success for ambitious businesses looking to outpace the competition. Gen Z and Millennials will be important audiences to win over – whether by emphasising authenticity or intensifying focus on social commerce. By embracing these trends, eCommerce professionals can position themselves for growth, enhanced customer retention, and greater innovation in 2025 and the years to come.
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