E-commerce has affected retail and changed individual purchasing habits. E-commerce is evolving to meet the alternating needs of customers and makes shopping easier for modern-day customers. Ever since its inception, e-commerce has been on a steady rise. However, the COVID-19 pandemic gave the e-commerce industry a significant boost in 2020. This acceleration is expected to move further beyond 2021. 

Here are some of the latest trends in e-commerce in 2021.

1. Online Shopping is Rising

The growth in mobile commerce is worth noting since 2020 alone witnessed over $ 2 trillion in sales made via mobile devices. These figures are expected to rise to $ 4trillion by 2022. This exponential growth is owed to the increase in the usage of mobile devices. Consumers do not just check for goods online. They also use mobile devices to research or browse before making a purchasing decision. 

With more and more websites currently optimized for mobile use, ensure that your website and e-commerce stores are optimized for mobile device usage as well. Buyers and potential customers are currently looking for unique features from e-commerce business websites. This has created a growing need for innovation in the digital industry. That is the reason why choosing carefully an omnichannel retail software is an essential decision.

2. Self-Service Platforms Are Becoming Popular

Opening up an e-commerce business was painstaking several years ago. However, the narrative has currently changed since small businesses, and solopreneurs can now digitally and remotely pivot their businesses. 

In 2021, you don't need to hire a large team for your e-commerce venture to be successful. Currently, opening a business is as simple as searching for platforms that can get you up to speed swiftly. If you have an already established, you can create template content that helps your audience catch up to speed quickly with navigating your products or finding a solution to a problem in your industry.

3. Environmental Topics Influence Buyers

Nearly 4 out of 10 digital consumers claim that poor environmental records affect their purchasing decisions. Green consumerism is gaining momentum, and brands are seeing the need for appropriate actions. Consumers have become more aware of the impacts that certain products have on the environment. 

Millennials are at the forefront of this environmental consciousness and are paving the way to greener consumerism habits. Subsequently, brands are also beginning to feel environmentally responsible and optimize their businesses to retain their eco-friendly consumers.

4. AI Will Get Less Artificial

Previously, artificial intelligence did not have a considerable place in e-commerce. However, things are dramatically changing in 2021, with AI looking to become less artificial and more beneficial. 

As concepts such as chatbots and machine learning are becoming mainstream, brands will leverage AI to yield actual business impact. An example would be to use AI to make recommendations for what customers should purchase next based on their search and purchase history. 

5. Improved E-Commerce Features 

E-commerce is enjoying new and latest innovations that help propel the industry towards growth. 2021 is seeking an invention of some of the best b2b eCommerce features, among others. 

Bottom Line

These trends are expected to be the norm for the e-commerce industry in the coming years. E-commerce provides lots of opportunities for business-oriented individuals. With these latest trends, the industry will undoubtedly grow even twice its size in the next few years.