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Top eCommerce Trends in 2026: Rundown<\/h2>
Here’s a quick look at the 15 eCommerce trends you need to know in 2026:<\/p>
- \n
- AI helps personalize user experience <\/strong>– eCommerce businesses can provide a richer buying experience with this technology. AI and machine learning<\/a> also play huge roles in personalization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hybrid commerce offers a seamlessly connected customer journey <\/strong>– combine your online channels with the brick-and-mortar store experience to improve purchase rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Augmented and virtual reality engage audiences with an immersive experience <\/strong>– these technologies help customers examine products closely and boost their purchasing confidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CRM builds a community around your eCommerce brand<\/strong> <\/strong>– CRM helps you understand your potential customer’s needs and behavior to strengthen relationships and improve customer loyalty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Customer support remains a priority <\/strong>– excellent support positively influences purchasing decisions, cultivates loyalty, promotes a positive brand image, and boosts eCommerce sales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strategize social selling to take advantage of its rise <\/strong>– social commerce is cost-effective and encourages in-app purchases. Influencer marketing and live shopping are two of the latest trends in eCommerce to implement alongside this strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The subscription model helps customers fulfill their recurring expenses easily <\/strong>– attracts loyal customers, and boosts retention rates and profitability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Migrate to headless eCommerce for better ROI<\/strong> – decoupling your eCommerce site’s front and back ends offers more flexibility and the ability to reach customers on any device. Use a headless CMS or eCommerce platform to join this trend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide multiple payment options<\/a> to improve user experience <\/strong>– some customers prefer traditional payment methods like bank transfers. Others favor novel ones like digital wallets or the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) feature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Voice and visual searches<\/strong> – more people are using newer ways to browse and shop online. Optimize your eCommerce site for both search technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Work on your CRO strategy <\/strong>– increase traffic value by converting website visitors to new customers or newsletter subscribers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marketing automation boosts conversions and productivity <\/strong>– automating your marketing routine is a great way to streamline your workflow and make it more efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fast and free delivery improves customer satisfaction<\/strong> – shipping costs and speed impact customers’ purchasing decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consider zero-party data to prepare for future data privacy policies <\/strong>– stay ahead of upcoming data privacy trends by applying the zero-party data strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adopt sustainability practices around your eCommerce brand<\/strong> – many consumers consider a product or brand’s sustainability before purchasing. Identify your business’ environmental impacts and apply more sustainable solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
Read the following sections for our in-depth breakdown of these eCommerce trends.<\/p>
1. Artificial Intelligence for Personalization<\/h2>
Artificial intelligence (AI) simulates human intelligence using computer science and big data. For eCommerce purposes, business owners can train AI to adapt to consumer behavior, resulting in more accurate and valuable information.<\/p>
One of the top areas where businesses can implement AI is personalization.<\/p>
Personalization is about tailoring user experience based on what the company has learned about them. A survey found that 80%<\/strong> of consumers are more likely to become returning buyers<\/a> if a company provides a personalized shopping experience.<\/p>
At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.67%<\/strong>, the global personalization software market is expected to surge over $5 billion<\/strong><\/a> by 2030. This is a significant jump from $943.25<\/strong> million <\/strong>in 2022.<\/p>
Combining AI and machine learning, Starbucks<\/strong> is one of several eCommerce businesses that offer top-notch personalization.<\/p>
![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-Size-Options-and-Customizations-panel-for-Starbucks_-Apple-Crisp-Oatmilk-Frappuccino-Blended-Beverage-1024x747.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>In the third quarter of 2022, 60% <\/strong>of Starbucks’s cold beverage orders<\/a> were customized. The coffee shop and roastery utilize customer behavior data to offer hyper-personalized suggestions.<\/p>
Starbucks tracks customer data on the mobile app to generate unique, attractive offers in real-time. It considers customer preferences, activity, past purchases, and location before sending over 400,000<\/strong> personalized messages<\/a> through in-app push notifications.<\/p>
Overall, the future of AI in the eCommerce landscape is promising. By 2027, the global AI market<\/a> is projected to reach $407<\/strong> billion<\/strong> – a dramatic uptick from $86.9 billion<\/strong> in 2022. Another study reveals that 91.5%<\/strong> of leading brands and companies<\/a> invest in AI continuously.<\/p>
\nPro tip<\/h4>\n
Check out our AI in eCommerce<\/a> piece for more ideas on how to use artificial intelligence for your online store.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>
2. Hybrid Commerce<\/h2>
The future of eCommerce is phygital – a blend of online channels and physical retail experiences. This eCommerce model integrates multiple channels and platforms to provide a seamless experience, encouraging hybrid commerce or omnichannel selling.<\/p>
A simple way to conduct omnichannel selling is by implementing click-and-collect<\/strong>. Also called buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS)<\/strong>, this service lets customers check out online and collect their purchases at the store or pickup station.<\/p>
The convenience of online shopping, quick in-store visits, and zero shipping charges has steadily grown the click-and-collect trend. Its value is projected to surpass $154 billion<\/strong> by 2025<\/a>. Leading retailers like Walmart<\/strong>, Target<\/strong>, and IKEA<\/strong> offer this service.<\/p>
![\"Target's](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Target_s-landing-page-for-its-click-and-collect-service-1024x448.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>The research online, purchase offline (ROPO)<\/a> consumer behavior has also increased in popularity. In addition to zero shipping fees, ROPO lets customers ensure a product’s compatibility. After all, 56%<\/strong> of shoppers want to see, touch, and feel<\/a> the products before buying.<\/p>
Furthermore, eCommerce business owners can opt for a progressive web app (PWA)<\/a> to accommodate customers who prefer to shop online. A PWA is a win-win solution for business owners choosing between building an eCommerce app or website<\/a>.<\/p>
Progressive web apps act like native apps<\/a> that are compatible across different devices and browsers. They are excellent for optimizing mobile users’ shopping experiences.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/eCommerce-hosting_in-text-banner-1024x300.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>Even if you already have a robust eCommerce app or site, you should still consider offering your products on online marketplaces. By 2025, global online marketplace sales are projected to reach $8.8 trillion<\/strong> at a 20%<\/strong> CAGR<\/a>.<\/p>
You can also use the marketplace’s free shipping and return policies to attract consumers.<\/p>
Remember to offer a consistent customer experience when balancing online and offline channels. This effort pays off well – the order rate is 494%<\/strong> higher<\/a> for companies employing omnichannel campaigns.<\/p>
3. Augmented and Virtual Reality<\/h2>
The AR\/VR market size<\/a>, growing at a ten-year CAGR of 41.1%<\/strong>, is expected to reach $856.2 billion<\/strong> by 2031.<\/p>
Augmented reality (AR)<\/strong> integrates the real, physical world with computer-generated visuals, sound, or other stimuli. Meanwhile, virtual reality (VR)<\/strong> is a simulated experience that puts the user in a seemingly real computer-generated environment using a special headset.<\/p>
Numerous eCommerce brands are adopting AR and VR technologies to offer a more immersive shopping experience.<\/p>
Consumers’ reactions are predominantly positive. According to a survey, 71% <\/strong>would shop more if a business used AR<\/a>. Another study reveals that companies using AR\/VR content have a 94% higher conversion rate<\/a>.<\/p>
IKEA is one of the companies paving the way for augmented reality.<\/p>
The IKEA Place<\/a> mobile app uses Apple’s ARKit platform<\/a> to let customers view digitally-reproduced 3D product images in their homes. Users can examine whether a furniture piece fits nicely in a room with their mobile devices.<\/p>
![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-IKEA-Place-app-page-1024x542.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>4. Customer Relationship Management<\/h2>
Customer relationship management (CRM) includes tools and strategies to help eCommerce businesses manage customer interaction. A great CRM strategy is essential, as 92%<\/strong> of customers would abandon a business<\/a> after two or three negative interactions.<\/p>
CRM lets business owners understand their customers’ needs and behavior better. This helps strengthen relationships and build a loyal customer base.<\/p>
The CRM market size is expected to hit around $128 billion<\/strong> by 2028. Additionally, over 91%<\/strong> of companies with 10 or more employees use CRM to manage customer conversations.<\/p>
Loyalty and reward programs are excellent CRM strategies. In fact, 75%<\/strong> of customers<\/a> favor companies that offer rewards. These programs also improve retention rates by 5%<\/strong> and profits by 25%<\/strong> to 95%<\/strong>.<\/p>
The North Face<\/strong>’s loyalty program, XPLR Pass<\/a>, lets customers earn points through several actions – purchasing an item, store check-ins, and referring a friend.<\/p>
Every 100 points give customers a $10 <\/strong>reward that they can spend on The North Face’s products. Loyalty members can also access exclusive products, birthday gifts, and field testing.<\/p>
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/03\/The-XPLR-Pass-page-on-The-North-Face_s-website.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>CRM will continue to be a top strategy for improving customer engagement. Therefore, investing in a CRM tool can be great for an eCommerce business’s growth.<\/p>
If you’re a WordPress user, install CRM plugins<\/a> like HubSpot CRM <\/strong>or JetPack<\/strong> CRM<\/strong>. These plugins allow you to tailor your CRM strategy, including email marketing management, social integration, and funnel builder features.<\/p>
5. Customer Support as a Priority<\/h2>
Customer support has been and will always be essential in every business. Issues with products or services can turn away existing customers and potential buyers. Ultimately, a company is responsible for offering quality assistance.<\/p>
81% <\/strong>of customers believe a positive support experience encourages repeat purchases<\/a>. Reply time is essential, and 60%<\/strong> of customers agree that 10 minutes or less<\/a> is the benchmark for immediate response time.<\/p>
Consumer demand for instant interaction is why live chat has become the preferred communication channel. 41%<\/strong> of consumers choose live chat<\/a> over phone, email, and social media support because it offers immediate help with minimal effort.<\/p>
Despite the increasing demand for real-time customer service, many businesses now utilize customer service chatbots<\/a> to help streamline the customer journey from acquisition to retention<\/a>. <\/p>
With an average CAGR of 25.7%<\/strong>, <\/strong>the global chatbot market is forecasted to account for $3.99 billion<\/strong> by 2030<\/a>. As the demand for immediate response continuously grows by 64%<\/strong> yearly<\/a>, utilizing chatbots is an excellent step.<\/p>
Uniqlo IQ<\/a> takes one step ahead with its chatbot. Apart from providing customer service, Uniqlo IQ helps users in other ways. It can select the best item that goes well with a recent purchase and pick an ensemble based on the occasion.<\/p>
![\"Uniqlo](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Uniqlo-IQ_s-homepage-translated-to-English-can-help-customers-choose-outfits-based-on-occasions-1024x602.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Fortunately, adding chatbots to eCommerce sites is relatively easy. If you’re a WordPress user, Tidio<\/strong>, IBM Watson Assistant<\/strong>, and WP Chatbot Plugin<\/strong> are some of the best AI-driven chatbot plugins<\/a>.<\/p>
\nExpert Tip<\/h4>\n
Chatbots have improved customer satisfaction, and this trend will continue to grow. They are the primary choice for over 60% of all end customers. Companies use chatbots to improve customer service, provide faster and more accurate responses, and collect data to enhance customer experience. Above all, your consumers will receive personalized and prompt service, which all eCommerce businesses should strive for.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n <\/div>\n
\n6. Social Commerce<\/h2>
Social media is an effective retail sales channel for making the most of mobile shopping. A study shows that mobile devices share <\/strong>80%<\/strong> of social media<\/a> traffic. Furthermore, 79% <\/strong>of smartphone users<\/a> have made a purchase using their mobile devices.<\/p>
Already a multibillion-dollar industry, social media commerce sales are expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2028, according to social commerce statistics<\/a>. On top of that, global social network users surged over the four billion<\/strong> mark<\/a> in 2021 and are projected to reach almost six billion<\/strong> in 2027.<\/p>
eCommerce businesses should take advantage of this trend, especially when 75% <\/strong>of users use social media platforms<\/a> to research products. Facebook is currently the most popular platform, with around 2.9 million<\/strong> users worldwide<\/a>.<\/p>
Thanks to built-in eCommerce platforms<\/a>, such as TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping, Facebook Shops, and Pinterest’s shoppable ads<\/a>, business owners can conveniently execute campaigns to reach their prospective customers.<\/p>
Selling from social media channels is cost-effective and can be a great solution for new eCommerce stores. To boost sales, business owners can integrate influencer marketing and live shopping.<\/p>
Influencer marketing<\/a> helps drive organic traffic and attract new customers with lower costs. For every dollar spent, it generates a return of $5.78<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>
60%<\/strong> of marketers found that influencer-generated content drives more engagement and performs better than branded posts. Also, 80%<\/strong> of consumers<\/a> have purchased products based on influencer recommendations.<\/p>
One of the leading online retailers, Net-A-Porter<\/a>, does influencer marketing well.<\/p>
![\"Net-A-Porter's](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Net-A-Porter_s-article-where-readers-can-directly-shop-the-products-that-are-featured-in-the-article-via-embedded-buy-buttons-1-1024x699.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Net-A-Porter publishes articles about fashion and lifestyle featuring influencers, celebrities, and key industry people. To encourage sales, Net-A-Porter provides Shop the Look<\/strong> links under photographs of the interviewed subjects.<\/p>
Furthermore, business owners can utilize live shopping features on social media channels.<\/p>
Live online shopping lets sellers showcase their products to the audience in real-time. Besides creating an interactive experience, showing your product’s real-life size, shape, and material through unedited live videos helps build customer trust.<\/p>
Estimated to reach $55 billion<\/strong> by 2026<\/a>, live online shopping is one of the most promising eCommerce trends. Consequently, livestream shopping may play a crucial role in reshaping eCommerce in the future.<\/p>
To join this eCommerce trend, investigate whether it fits your audience. Fashion is the most showcased product category<\/a> in live commerce, followed by beauty products.<\/p>
Track the number of views and conversion rates to measure your audience’s interest in live commerce. To increase engagement, create a sense of scarcity by offering livestream-exclusive discounts.<\/p>
7. Subscription Models<\/h2>
Over the past few years, consumers have become increasingly used to the convenience of shopping online. The subscription model<\/a> has become one of the leading trends in the eCommerce industry as it offers a practical solution to fulfill consumers’ recurring expenses.<\/p>
Unsurprisingly, the subscription market is growing exponentially at a 71%<\/strong> CAGR and is estimated to surge over $2 trillion<\/strong> by 2028<\/a>.<\/p>
Various products come as subscriptions, from streaming services to monthly clothing deliveries and daily meal kits like HelloFresh<\/a>. As of October 2022, HelloFresh has attracted over seven million customers worldwide<\/a> with its customizable plans.<\/p>
![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-homepage-of-Hello-Fresh-a-meal-kit-subscription-service-1024x646.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>70% of business leaders<\/a> agree that the subscription model plays a vital role in the future of eCommerce growth and expansion. That said, churn rate<\/a> is one of the main challenges for this digital business model.<\/p>
To reduce subscription churn, offer special perks such as free delivery, lower prices, and access to limited products. Maintaining good communication with your customers – like informing them about delayed deliveries – is a great way to improve customer trust.<\/p>
8. Headless Commerce<\/h2>
Headless commerce<\/a> is a next-generation eCommerce solution that decouples a website or application’s front and back ends. Using application programming interfaces (APIs)<\/a>, headless commerce can deliver content to any front-end framework.<\/p>
With this architecture, eCommerce shopping will not be limited to desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. Consumers can browse and purchase through Internet of Things (IoT)<\/a> devices such as smart speakers and smart fitness devices.<\/p>
Headless commerce unifies all shopping experiences, increases flexibility, and opens sales possibilities. It can also streamline omnichannel selling since headless businesses can quickly incorporate new eCommerce sales channels.<\/p>
82.91%<\/strong> of business owners saw improvements across various performance metrics<\/a> after adopting a headless system. Due to its advantages, headless architecture is undoubtedly a future-proof technology<\/a> in the eCommerce world.<\/p>
More eCommerce businesses will utilize the headless environment to help streamline their processes, adding to the long list of rising online shopping trends.<\/p>
In a 2022 survey, 57%<\/strong> of leaders of all business sizes across industries plan to implement the headless approach<\/a> in the next two years. The research also found that 80%<\/strong> of businesses that haven’t switched to headless architecture plan to do it during the same period.<\/p>
The headless CMS market size<\/a> is growing at a 22.1%<\/strong> CAGR, anticipating $5.5 billion<\/strong> by 2023.<\/p>
Consider migrating to a headless content management system (CMS)<\/strong> like Sanity.io<\/strong> and Strapi<\/strong>. Alternatively, opt for a headless eCommerce platform like Shopify Plus<\/strong> and BigCommerce<\/strong>.<\/p>
If you already use WordPress as your eCommerce platform, you can also use it as a headless CMS<\/a>.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/06\/New-WP_in-text-banner-1024x300.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>9. Flexible Payment Options<\/h2>
Don’t lose potential buyers just because your site doesn’t accept their preferred payment methods. Consider offering popular and alternative payment options to get a head start in the future eCommerce trend.<\/p>
As mobile devices are nearly universal, providing mobile payment solutions has become among the top eCommerce trends worldwide.<\/p>
In 2021, digital or mobile wallets accounted for 49% <\/strong>of global eCommerce transactions<\/a> and were expected to facilitate about 53%<\/strong> of all eCommerce transactions by 2025.<\/p>
- Hybrid commerce offers a seamlessly connected customer journey <\/strong>– combine your online channels with the brick-and-mortar store experience to improve purchase rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Digital](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/digital-and-mobile-wallet-payments_-projected-growth-between-2021-and-2025-1-1024x560.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>![\"The](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-difference-between-preferred-payment-methods-in-South-Korea-and-Thailand-1024x612.png\")
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