10 Consumer Trends Ecommerce Brands Need to Know in 2025
In the UK alone ecommerce accounts for over a quarter of all retail sales – and this figure is projected to rise to one-third in 2025.
The potential for success in the ecommerce sector is immense, but what consumer trends are shaping the future for brands in this space? As online shoppers increasingly seek personalised experiences, transparent sustainability practices, and more, it’s clear that customer expectations are higher than ever.
To stay ahead of the game in 2025, ecommerce brands must adapt to these consumer trends. Not sure where to start? Let’s explore 10 key trends that are expected to take centre stage this year:
Personalisation
“Personalisation programs have been shown to yield 10-15% higher conversion rates and 20% higher customer satisfaction rates.” – Shopify
From tailored product recommendations to custom delivery estimates, personalisation has taken centre stage in 2024, and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, 72% of consumers are more likely to be loyal to a brand that offers a personalised customer experience.
Another key consideration is ethical personalisation, with transparency around data use becoming a key factor in building trust with consumers.
How ecommerce brands can use this trend: Consider adding personalised customer experiences at every stage of the buyer journey, from using email software to send out personalised marketing emails, to using tools such as Zenstores Convert to offer tailored shipping and delivery information right from the product page.
Privacy and Security
“Consumers are increasingly wary of data usage, and businesses that respect their preferences will build stronger, more loyal relationships.” – Retail Gazette
While personalisation is a must-have, consumers are becoming increasingly wary of where this information comes from, when it is used, and how it is protected. With growing concerns over data privacy and security, customers expect brands to adopt privacy-first practices.
Transparency in how data is collected and used is now a competitive advantage, helping businesses foster loyalty and trust.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Communicate clearly about data usage policies, ensure data protection measures are in place, and provide meaningful opt-in options for customers.
Social Commerce and Mobile Commerce
“By 2027, mobile commerce is expected to account for 62% of all ecommerce purchases.” – Statista
Make room for mobile! Mobile commerce continues to dominate the ecommerce space, and social commerce is not far behind, with three out of four consumers using social media to inform shopping decisions.
Seamless integration with social platforms and mobile-optimised experiences are no longer optional for ecommerce brands, as more and more consumers begin to purchase items from their phones.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Optimise your ecommerce shop’s website for mobile devices and try investing in social commerce strategies. You can use platforms such as TikTok for shoppable posts to engage audiences.
Flexible Delivery Options
“86% of retailers said that they’ve seen an increase in sales as a result of adding more shipping options at checkout.” – Shippit
Today’s shoppers expect flexibility in their delivery options. Whether its next-day delivery or the cheapest available option, the ability to choose builds trust and satisfaction.
With 50% of consumers admitting to abandoning their cart because the delivery options offered did not meet their needs, it’s important to ensure that your ecommerce brand provides enough options to cater for an array of customer expectations.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Try using multiple carriers to offer a range of delivery options. To gain access to different carriers, Zenstores Swift provides discounted shipping rates from trusted carriers, ensuring both affordability and reliability.
Customer Loyalty Programmes
“It’s not uncommon that the top 25% of your consumer base can represent 50-75% of your sales value.” – Salesforce
As customer acquisition costs rise, loyal customers can be the key to your ecommerce brand’s success, often representing the majority of revenue. Furthermore, over 30% of consumers claim that they recommend brands to friends and family, as a way of showing loyalty, which can further increase your customer base.
Loyalty programmes can deepen these relationships by offering rewards like early product access or exclusive discounts.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Implement meaningful loyalty programmes that reward repeat purchases. Provide incentives such as free shipping, early access to sales, or referral bonuses.
Subscription Models
“By 2025, the subscription economy is predicted to grow to $1.5 trillion” – The Washington Post
Subscription services are thriving across industries, from meal kits to beauty products. They provide recurring revenue for businesses while offering convenience and value to customers.
Offering subscription-based services can also elevate customer loyalty, after all, who wouldn’t stick with an ecommerce brand that knows your regular order and can ship it out automatically?
How ecommerce brands can do this: Introduce subscription options for consumable or frequently purchased products. Ensure flexibility by allowing customers to pause, modify, or cancel subscriptions easily.
Sustainability
“73% of online shoppers want to know the CO2 emissions of their deliveries” – DHL
Sustainability is becoming a purchasing priority for many consumers in 2025. In fact, over 70% of consumers have stated that they would be willing to spend extra on products that have been sustainably produced.
Brands that demonstrate eco-friendly practices, such as carbon-neutral shipping or recyclable packaging, can attract environmentally conscious shoppers.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Offer sustainable delivery options, such as carbon-offset shipping. Be transparent about sourcing and production methods, and communicate these efforts clearly to your audience.
Flexible Checkout Options
“13% of customers abandon their carts if insufficient payment methods are available.” – Baymard
A seamless checkout process with multiple payment options is crucial. Offering both debit or credit card payment options and one-click digital wallets can reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Offer a range of payment methods, from credit cards to digital wallets. You can also simplify the process further with one-click checkout options.
In-House Fulfilment vs. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
“Managing your own fulfilment takes time and effort, but it gives you control over a crucial part of your customer experience.” – Shopify
Deciding between in-house fulfilment and outsourcing to a 3PL provider is a critical decision for ecommerce brands. Each option has its benefits, however one key advantage of in-house fulfilment is the control ecommerce brands gain over their shipping and delivery processes.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Assess your business needs to determine the most cost-effective and efficient approach. Research software available that can simplify your fulfilment processes, such as Zenstores, compared to other options.
Clear Delivery Dates
“64% of online shoppers look for a delivery date on the product page, before they add a product to their cart.” – Baymard
Ambiguity around delivery dates can lead to dissatisfaction and lost sales – with many consumers stating that an accurate delivery estimate is more important to them than a speedy delivery.
Providing accurate delivery information builds trust and ensures customer satisfaction.
How ecommerce brands can do this: Display clear and reliable delivery dates at every stage of the customer journey, from the product page to checkout. Consider options such as Zenstores Convert, which offers dynamic delivery promises, personalised to your customer’s location.
Keeping up with ecommerce trends in 2025
From implementing non-negotiables, such as personalisation, data privacy and security, and sustainability practices, to getting ahead with social media commerce opportunities, 2025 brings a range of opportunities and challenges for ecommerce brands in the UK.
By staying aware of consumer trends, you can ensure that your brand sets itself ahead of the competition in 2025, and beyond.
Ready to improve your customer’s delivery experience in 2025?
Whether you need access to discounted shipping rates with top couriers, or tools to display accurate delivery promises on your website, when it comes to maintaining a delivery experience that lives up to customer expectations, Zenstores has you covered.
Discover how Zenstores can:
- Streamline your shipping and fulfilment process with Zenstores Fulfil.
- Help you save with exclusive carrier discounts with Zenstores Swift.
- Boost conversions by showing clear delivery options at checkout with Zenstores Convert.
Not sure what your ecommerce brand needs to excel? Book a demo and we can help you identify the best solutions for your ecommerce business.