Retail industry overview
The ecommerce industry is set to experience another year of significant growth in 2025, driven by evolving consumer behaviours, technological innovations, and increasing competition among brands. The UK’s online retail sector remains a critical player in the global market, with ecommerce accounting for 26.5% of all UK retail sales in 2024 (ONS). As consumers demand more seamless, personalised, and convenient shopping experiences, brands must stay ahead by embracing emerging trends in ecommerce and adapting their digital strategies to meet these expectations.
Ecommerce industry stats
Understanding key ecommerce industry statistics can help brands identify growth opportunities and also refine their marketing efforts to improve performance or streamline spend. Here are some essential ecommerce stats and figures that are worth knowing.
- Global ecommerce sales to hit £5.4 trillion by 2025 – According to Statista, global ecommerce revenue is expected to grow steadily, driven by increasing internet penetration and mobile commerce adoption.
- Over 60% of UK consumers prefer mobile shopping – A report by eMarketer highlights that mobile purchases dominate the UK’s online retail industry, emphasising the importance of optimising mobile experiences.
- Personalisation boosts conversion rates by 10-15% – Research from McKinsey shows that ecommerce brands that personalise their customer journeys see significant increases in conversions and average order values.
- Social commerce is set to grow by 28% in 2025 – As platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest expand their ecommerce capabilities, social commerce is becoming a key driver of online sales.
- AI-powered recommendations influence 35% of ecommerce revenue – AI and machine learning are reshaping the ecommerce landscape by offering personalised product recommendations that boost sales and customer satisfaction.
2025 Ecommerce marketing trends
The search landscape has transformed significantly in recent years, moving beyond traditional search engines to include social media, AI-driven platforms, and voice search. To stay competitive online, brands must optimise their presence across multiple touchpoints, ensuring they meet consumers where they are researching, discovering, and purchasing. Here are the top ecommerce marketing trends that we believe are shaping 2025:
1. AI-Powered search and personalisation
AI is redefining the future of ecommerce by enhancing search functionalities and delivering hyper-personalised recommendations. AI-powered search engines, such as ChatGPT, now interpret natural language queries and provide highly relevant results, making it easier for consumers to find what they’re looking for. According to Gartner, 75% of ecommerce brands will leverage AI-driven personalisation by 2025 to improve customer experience and increase conversions.
2. Social commerce continues to thrive
Social media platforms are evolving into powerful ecommerce channels themselves. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are constantly evolving and integrating advanced shopping features, enabling users to make purchases directly through their feeds. In the UK, social commerce is expected to account for 10% of ecommerce revenue by 2025 (Insider Intelligence) which illustrates the opportunities that are available through these channels. Brands that invest in engaging social content and seamless shopping experiences will no doubt capitalise on this growing trend.
3. Voice commerce gains momentum
With the growing adoption of smart speakers and voice assistants, voice commerce is projected to reach £4 billion in the UK by 2025 (Juniper Research). Consumers increasingly use voice search to order products, particularly in categories such as groceries and household essentials. Ecommerce brands should optimise product descriptions and FAQs to align with natural language queries.
4. Everysearch™: multichannel search dominance
The days of focusing solely on Google search rankings are long gone. Everysearch™, our proprietary and industry-leading approach, ensures brands achieve visibility across all search touchpoints — from traditional search engines and social media platforms to marketplace listings and AI-powered recommendations. By leveraging a multichannel search strategy, brands can capture high-intent users wherever they are in their buying journey.
5. Sustainable and ethical ecommerce
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ — it’s a consumer expectation. Over 70% of UK consumers prefer brands that prioritise environmental and ethical practices (Deloitte). Ecommerce brands that communicate transparency around their supply chain, packaging, and carbon footprint will resonate with conscious consumers and build long-term loyalty that continues to be hugely important for brand growth.
6. Augmented reality (AR) enhances shopping experiences
Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionising online shopping by allowing consumers to visualise products before purchasing. By 2025, AR-driven ecommerce experiences are expected to contribute to a 25% reduction in return rates, as shoppers make more informed decisions. Retailers investing in AR technology will gain a competitive advantage by offering immersive, interactive experiences.
7. Subscription models and loyalty programs drive retention
Subscription models and personalised loyalty programs are emerging as powerful retention tools. As competition intensifies in the ecommerce space, brands are focusing on fostering long-term customer relationships through subscription services that offer convenience, exclusive discounts, and curated product offerings. According to Adobe, subscription-based ecommerce revenue is projected to grow by 68% by 2025.
The future of ecommerce
As ecommerce continues to evolve, brands must adopt agile, multichannel marketing strategies to stay ahead. Everysearch™ offers the perfect solution, ensuring brands maintain visibility across diverse search platforms and touchpoints. By embracing future ecommerce trends and aligning with changing consumer expectations, brands can secure long-term growth and stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. Are you ready to future-proof your ecommerce strategy? Contact us today to discover how Everysearch™ can drive growth and maximise your brand’s visibility across all digital touchpoints.
