Online shopping has become a normal part of everyday life as consumers can easily purchase the things they need without having to get up, drive to the store, pick up what they need, and head home. Almost anything can now be bought online, from home goods and furniture to even fish and aquatics.
Each year, we see a number of trends in e-commerce. Social media often plays a huge role in online shopping, and with the rise in social media users in 2024, we will probably notice more content geared toward viral products, marketing for online shops, and more. Here are some projected trends for online shoppers in 2024:
1. Sustainable Shopping
Sustainable shopping is set to be a trend in 2024 as more consumers are taking notice of the negative environmental impact that online shopping and international shipping create. This year, online shopping platforms have increased pressures to reduce, revamp, or offset the carbon footprints created by their business models.
Only time will tell whether the big names in e-commerce, such as Amazon, will follow through with plans for a more sustainable online shopping experience, but with increasing pressure from customers, sustainability seems to be a trend among platforms in 2024.
2. One-stop Shops
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More and more online shopping stores are becoming one-stop shops for all essentials, such as the case with Temu, the newcomer in the industry that captured a market with US customers due to its affordability, and wide range of products.
We can expect more stores like Temu, Amazon, and Shein to pop up in 2024 as the market continues to grow. Consumers are also leaning towards online shopping sites that have a variety of items in their catalog as they can optimize their shipping fees, and collate orders for various items from fashionable clothing to much-needed household supplies.
3. Post-purchase Care
As the e-commerce industry becomes increasingly competitive, online shopping platforms are finding new ways to provide the best possible shopping experience for their customers. One of these services that is expected to trend in 2024 is Post-purchase Care.
In Post-purchase Care, customer satisfaction is evaluated not just from the buying process to shipping, but also from the moment the customer opens the site, to the day they receive their orders, and even afterward as they use or consume the products they purchased.
After-sales service provides essential feedback for online shopping platforms, and customers do not have to air out their concerns through review sites. Instead, shopping platforms can handle customer complaints first-hand, and provide a more personalized and pleasant experience for their clients.
4. Voice-activated Shopping Searches
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With Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri becoming more and more sophisticated, we can expect consumers to utilize these technologies in their online shopping. In 2024, expect platforms to include compatibility with voice recognition, which will make the purchasing process smoother, and more convenient with consumers.
As a growing trend, voice activation is still an emerging technology, but there have been several successes with consumers purchasing items online through voice recognition. While this is certainly convenient, it can lead to accidental purchases, which will lead to disputes later on. Platforms will have to take measures to improve their voice recognition if they consider adding this feature to their apps for consumers to use.
5. Digital Payment Options
Digital payment platforms, such as e-wallets, e-credit cards, and online bank deposits, are already typical ways to pay for online purchases. However, in 2024, we can expect to see an increase in digital payment options, as well as improvements in security for payment gateways.
2024 may be the year we see cryptocurrencies as part of digital payment options as well, as more and more companies allow payments in more secure forms of tokens such as Bitcoin and ETH. Besides crypto, we may also see platforms that create their own virtual currency, where customers can gain special perks by using the in-platform payment options.
Each year is the beginning of new trends and new eras for the digital space, as the fast-moving industry continues to expand, grow, and improve. These trends that we may see in 2024 are set to make online shopping easier and provide consumers with a more enjoyable experience when buying what they need online.
6. Video Shopping
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As consumers continue to use more and more technology, the online shopping landscape has also shifted to accommodate their needs. One such trend that has emerged in recent years is video shopping.
Video shopping is the act of buying items online by watching product demonstrations or reviews before making a purchase. This method can be helpful for those who are unable to visit a physical store or for those who want to compare different options before making a purchase.
The popularity of video shopping may be due to the fact that it allows people to try on clothes and accessories before they make a purchase, as well as getting information about warranties and returns. It also allows people to see how products will look in different settings or with different accessories.
7. Cross-Border Online Shopping
Cross-border online shopping is on the rise and there are many reasons why. One reason is that consumers now have more access to global markets than ever before. With the advent of technology, people can now shop from anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds.
Another reason for the rise in cross-border online shopping is the fact that it is becoming easier and more affordable to do so. Many big-name retailers now offer free shipping to customers in different countries, making it less expensive and easier to purchase goods from overseas.
Furthermore, many shoppers now prefer shopping online because they can see and try on items before making a purchase. This way, they can be sure that they’re getting the right size or color and that the item will fit well. Online shoppers also appreciate the convenience of being able to shop from their own homes without having to leave their comfort zone.
Final Words
The future of online shopping looks bright, and there are several trends that will continue to grow in popularity. So whether you’re looking to buy a new outfit or just browse for inspiration, don’t forget about the ever-growing digital world!
