The Latest eCommerce Trends to Look Out for in 2024 – According to Experts

The world of eCommerce is a rapidly changing one. The year of 2024 is no exception.

As technologies, processes are being introduced every year in the eCommerce world, there are a lot of trends going on and increasingly discussed. This year in 2024 has been particularly interesting as we reach the post-pandemic era, featuring volatility but also a light of cautious optimism that drives the eCommerce industry forward.

Another trend is the introduction of conversational AI by OpenAI earlier this year. The world was shocked and amazed with the powers of ChatGPT. No more robotic, tone-deaf machines talking to us in the eCommerce buying process.

However, outside of these imaginative “big trends”, what should we further expect as we reach halfway in the year of 2024?

Let’s dive into today’s blog, where we decide to reach out to different industry experts about their ideas on the future of eCommerce, which is then consolidated into an interesting, insightful read for all of our blog readers here at TrackingMore.

Reaching Out to Experts

We went to a website called Connectively to find eCommerce leaders, or aspiring individuals in the eCommerce industry that are happy to respond. We then ask the same question for all of them: “What eCommerce trends do you think are defining the industry in 2024?”. Eventually, over 30 people responded to us.

Overall, we are happy with the results, as we are having a diverse mix of individuals that are willing to share their thoughts about the future of eCommerce. Without further ado, here are the 8 must-know insights that are happening in the eCommerce scene!

8 Key Ideas about the Future of eCommerce

#1: Navigating Product-Consumer Fit

Josh Qian, the CEO and Co-founder of Best Online Cabinets, has made a deliberate response to the eCommerce trends he inferred from his own business. His work involves over 20 years of experience in the kitchen remodeling and home improvement industry, and his current venture at Best Online Cabinets serves as a California-based innovative online retailer of high-quality kitchen cabinets.

Convenience and speed are what the customer wants, and it is positioned at the forefront of Josh’s business model. When it comes to online retail, Josh says, this means “optimizing the website for mobile use and ensuring the checkout processes are as streamlined as possible, reducing any friction that might deter a sale.”

He also highlighted the technology and personalization that he made to his website as he builds his online business. In particular, he highlights the use of Augmented Reality (AR).

“We’ve integrated AR tools on our platform, allowing users to see how different styles and colors would look in their kitchens before purchasing. This enhances customer engagement and significantly reduces the uncertainty often associated with online furniture shopping.”

Data analytics are also leveraged to personalized recommendations, such as highlighting similar products by their search behavior to resonate with customers’ tastes.

Additionally, they are regularly producing user-generated content platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, as he believes that highlighting our products in real homes can foster “brand trust and authenticity” unlike other forms of content.

“At the end, customers seek not just products, but also experiences and connections it entails”. Josh gives a strong message that eCommerce should be viewed as a means, and not an end. Customers will eventually notice when you genuinely pay attention to their needs.

#2: Don’t Forget the “Human-ness” of Your Brand

Valentin Radu, the founder & CEO of Omniconvert, has a few words about the upcoming trends of eCommerce as well. His perspective about the future of eCommerce can be effectively captured in two themes: personalization, and sustainability.

From Valentin’s observations, evolving consumer preferences indicate a growing demand for tailored shopping experiences and eco-friendly options. In this area, advanced data analytics plays a crucial role in achieving this, as it allows for more precise targeting as well as feedback mechanisms that ensures their products are meeting ethical standards, something that the end consumers increasingly value nowadays.

His ending remark about eCommerce is quite a powerful reminder. “Fostering community and brand loyalty remains vital, with initiatives that resonate deeply with a company’s core audience paving the way for lasting success”.

Similarly, Bruce Zheng, the founder and CEO of NTVAL, whose work focuses on industrial valve manufacturing, has similar values that he integrates in his business.

“For NTVAL, the increasing emphasis on sustainability by the end customer means prioritizing eco-friendly manufacturing processes and communicating these efforts transparently on our digital platforms.” Bruce suggests. eCommerce brands who can combine their messaging with sustainable values can achieve stronger customer loyalty.

The human journey is central to NTVAL’s eCommerce journey. The company has begun to use predictive analytics to manage inventory and improve post-purchase experience. Eventually, it supports their upselling efforts by offering additional functions or related components during the purchase process, resulting in a 15% increase in average order value.

#3: The Integration of AI and Automation is the Future

Gary Jain is the CEO of The Ledger Labs, an automation-focused accounting firm. Before his venture, he worked for 12+ years as a certified accountant, specializing in business strategy, data analysis and advanced financial reporting. Eventually, the interesting mix of accounting, automation and AI, brings his online business to life and his business is helping 2000+ clients globally to achieve effective, results-based accounting.

One of the highlights of Gary’s insight is regarding the transformative potential of technological advancements, particularly in the realm of AI and predictive analytics. For his own venture, the role of automation plays a big role in consolidating data, streamlining processes, and facilitating automated decision-making.

At the same time, he also makes an interesting comment about the role of tracking solutions like TrackingMore in the future of eCommerce. As directly quoted from his words:

“AI and machine learning are continuing to redefine logistics and supply chain processes… Predictive analytics are being used to anticipate customer demand and prevent stockouts, while advanced tracking systems enable seamless monitoring of shipments across the globe. Automation in warehousing and last-mile delivery is also accelerating, and real-time data feeds help businesses make informed decisions to improve their operational efficiency.”

Gary’s message is clear: AI and automation are here to stay, and the ones who fail to embrace innovation in these areas are not likely to succeed in the long-run.

#4: The Rise of AI Shopping Assistants

Carey Landon, Director of Marketing at Alby, represented Alby in advocating the adoption of AI shopping assistants among Shopify businesses. The positive tone by Carey is empowering as she discusses her own encounters with eCommerce.

“We believe the latest trend in eCommerce is AI-powered shopping assistants, designed to help retailers answer shopper questions, boost conversions, and reduce the burden on support teams. With shrinking attention spans and endless options, AI shopping assistants streamline the shopping experience by using AI to answer product-related questions.”

She also mentioned the launch of Amazon’s AI shopping assistant, Rufus, which she believes will likely set the standard for future consumer behavior.

In addition, Carey provided additional insights based on Alby’s research regarding shopper preferences for these shopping assistant tools:

• Embedded vs. Chatbot: Shoppers prefer embedded shopping assistant experiences (as opposed to the traditional chatbot). This is evident in the Rufus experience as well. Shoppers are increasingly frustrated with chatbots, and retailers should take a more intentional approach.
• Predictive vs. Freeform: Shopping assistants that not only answer questions but also predict them are favored. Alby’s research shows that 90% of shoppers engage with predictive question buttons over typing out their own questions.

#5: Widespread Adoption of Shopify and Amazon

Another implication from the above idea involves widespread adoption of major marketplaces such as Shopify and Amazon, where SaaS integrations to these marketplaces are expected to be more common than ever.

It is a view that is elaborated by Harrison Tang, the co-founder of Spokeo. While his business is not directly related to eCommerce, he provided a few interesting insights about the potential of marketplaces to the future of eCommerce.

“Many businesses and startups are opting for platforms that offer easy drag-and-drop store creation. Building a brand is now the primary focus in eCommerce, with individuals striving to establish credibility from the outset.” as Harrison reinforces his idea.

He also mentioned about the user-friendly interface and scalability that are offered by these platforms. The word he uses is “effortless”, which describes very well because anyone can set up a professional eCommerce store in just days or even minutes, hassle-freely.

TrackingMore is fully aware about the growing presence of these marketplaces. We provide full integration to Shopify and Amazon, ensuring you real-time shipment visibility for whatever platform you use.

#6: Delivering Confidence via Logistic Excellence

Lissa Poirot is Joy Wallet’s Head of Content and an award-winning journalist. Her response to this question is quite insightful, as she touched on the importance of seamless logistics operations in delivering an exceptional post-purchase experience.

Customers are “expecting near-perfect precision (now)”, Lissa states. In the past, customers expected delays or general delivery windows. Now, they want real-time updates. Not just “your package is on the way”, but “your package will arrive at 2:37 PM.”

She elaborates on this shift in expectation, highlighting the pressure it can place on eCommerce businesses to adopt advanced tracking systems that can integrate with carriers and provide the level of precision customers now seek.

Lissa also emphasizes the emotional aspects of eCommerce and logistics.

“When it comes to eCommerce, what’s often overlooked is the emotional aspect. People are less tolerant of uncertainty, so the more accurate your delivery predictions, the more trust you build. This precision also opens doors for optimizing cross-selling during those waiting moments. A well-timed email or app notification offering a discount on related products right before delivery can tap into that heightened attention.”

Logistics, if done right, can be transformed into a significant revenue opportunity. Thinking of it as merely a cost center should not be the way to go.

#7: Google and New Platforms in eCommerce Advertising

Rob Laver, Head of Paid Media at Distinctly, brings extensive expertise in digital marketing, particularly in the evolving landscape of online advertising. His insights are grounded in years of experience, making him a credible voice in the field.

Regarding the future of search ads, Rob states, “Google’s going to continue its march towards automation, with Performance Max featuring ever more heavily.” He emphasizes the increasing visibility and control that Performance Max offers, noting that “we’re also seeing DSA (Dynamic Search Ads) campaigns being steered towards Performance Max – and Standard Search might well be next.”

Besides, Rob predicts a shift toward a “broad match or even keyword-less future,” underscoring the need for brands to adapt to these changes.

When discussing advertising platforms, Rob highlights the importance of exploring new, rapidly growing alternatives. He contends on TikTok, stating that “the platform’s short video content is hugely popular amongst millennials and Gen-Z”, making it increasingly relevant for brands that target the younger demographics. He also predicts the increasing interest and usage of Amazon Advertising platform as retailers can leverage its vast customer base.

#8: Brand-driven Communities are The Winning Factor

While the constant move to implement more AI into eCommerce operations and marketing strategies is beneficial, for example, better personalization, it does come with certain negatives. More specifically, the use of AI has created the “race-to-the-bottom” trend in pricing, based on personalization.

This is the quote by Jye Beckett. He is the Director of Dreambound, who has been working at his Australian-based independent creative studio for over 10 years.

From his work with brands, he has a calling that businesses should “put emphasis back on the traditional branding“. He is also having more discussions with eCommerce owners who are looking to build authentic brand communities that allow them to maintain premium prices while creating a culture of customer loyalty.

Brandon Hartman, the co-founder of BeyWarehouse, shares a similar belief. Their business model is inherently interesting, as they are a community-driven online business, and currently emerged as one of the leading distributors of beyblades globally.

“Social media is a powerful sales channel”, Brandon suggests. He believes that by integrating eCommerce capabilities with social media, it unlocks new possibilities for businesses to drive conversions and enhance customer experiences.

BeyWarehouse’s eCommerce strategy has been heavily reliant on social media as they have an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Reddit. They also have an affiliate program of their own, offering 10% commission on total referral sales when a customer makes a purchase via an affiliate link or coupon code.

Social commerce generated an estimated revenue of 571 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and it has now reached a $1.2 trillion market cap. These values signal a shift away from isolated shopping towards a more community-driven purchasing experience.

How TrackingMore Serves Your eCommerce Business Right

At TrackingMore, we work actively on our shipment tracking capabilities, and strive to position as your go-to solution when it comes to tracking APIs.

In the world of eCommerce, customer satisfaction is key. Our tracking solution is built under the principle of user-friendliness. TrackingMore works by providing you real-time access to logistics data points, and connectivity to over 1,300 carriers globally. This access is valuable for handling orders, delivery exceptions and even returns.

As eCommerce companies are handling more and more customer data every day, we ensure that our solution can be optimized to various carriers and platforms, and data compliant at all times. Currently, TrackingMore is ISO-27001 compliant, making it an ideal solution for both enterprise and growing ventures.

Finally, we have a suite of powerful tracking solutions tailored for diverse eCommerce needs: 

• Shipment dashboard: A clear, comprehensive dashboard with near-full access to carrier and order information.
• Branded tracking page: Extra customization on the tracking experience with a branded page where they can easily search for their order statuses.
• Shipment notifications: Whether your product is delivered, pending, or in transit, you will receive updates anytime, anywhere.
• 24/7 customer support: Operating an eCommerce business might not be your typical “9-5” or “9-6” job. We know that you need support beyond regular business hours. Our dedicated customer support team is available around the clock to assist you whenever you need help.
• Strong tech stack: Implementation from 1 to 7 days, significantly faster than competing brands. Our robust SDKs and extensive technical resources empower your tech team, ensuring confidence in our solutions.

Notable eCommerce brands such as AliExpress, DJI, and Shein are already using our tracking solution. What are you waiting for?

Reach out to us or sign up at TrackingMore for a demo and see how our solutions can elevate your eCommerce business.

Final Words

At last, we would like to extend our thankfulness to all the contributors, and we hope you enjoy this read as much as we do.

This article is an interesting mix of interesting insights and experimentation. Originally we did not expect as much response from different eCommerce experts, and aspiring individuals. But here we are, 8 different insights by over a dozen contributors. Some responses are well-expected on our side, but some are also “out-of-the-ordinary” answers.

eCommerce is a growing and thriving community. At TrackingMore, we acknowledge that we are part of a “rollercoaster ride”. Our tracking solution serves an increasingly growing customer base, but we hope to spread our mission to more people: Enhanced tracking is the future, and we want to bring this technology to everyone.

This article eventually gives you both the insights and practices. While you learn from some of the existing players and their views of eCommerce trends in 2024, it is a testament to a lot more that is possible in the future of eCommerce.