The world of e-commerce isn't slowing down; quite the opposite. Every year, we buy more and more online, and online stores are introducing increasingly modern solutions. What's currently trending in e-commerce? What trends are already dominating, and what should you be prepared for if you run or plan to open an online store?
We have prepared for you an overview of the most important e-commerce trends in Poland and around the world!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Personalization: Putting the Customer in the Spotlight
Just a few years ago, AI in online stores seemed like the future. Today, it's commonplace! Artificial intelligence supports the personalization of offers, product recommendations, and even customer service (even through chatbots). Customers expect websites to figure out what interests them, and modern e-commerce platforms are increasingly better at doing this.
For the store owner, this is a huge opportunity. Using AI, you can present customers with personalized suggestions, increasing their chances of making a purchase. For example, a customer was looking at cross-country skiing, and you return to them with a discount on running shoes or a promotion on compression socks.
Omnichannel Sales: Where Your Customers Are
The traditional distinction between online and brick-and-mortar stores is increasingly blurred. For example, a customer browses products in a mobile app but orders through their desktop. Or even orders through Instagram, where they saw a post with a great promotion.
Multichannel and omnichannel are no longer a choice, but a necessity. Customers want to freely switch between channels and return to their carts on different devices. Live commerce: selling and presenting products via livestream, is also gaining popularity in Poland!
Express delivery and flexible pickup options
Amazon Prime, InPost, fast parcel lockers, and couriers have changed our habits for good. Customers want choice, and delivery time is paramount. In Polish e-commerce, over half of all parcels are now delivered to parcel lockers.
What is worth implementing in your store?
- Choose from various delivery options, including click&collect or pickup at the point,
- Cooperation with courier companies ensuring fast delivery,
- Accurate tracking of shipments (the customer wants to know where his parcel is).
Mobile first: Your store must work great on smartphones!
No mercy, Poles love shopping on their smartphones. In 2023, over 70% of e-commerce traffic came from mobile devices, and the trend is still growing! If your website loads slowly on mobile or it's difficult to add a product to the cart, customers will simply abandon it.
It is worth taking care of:
- Responsive design and fast loading,
- Simple, clear shopping cart,
- Integration with mobile payments (e.g. BLIK, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
Express payments and BNPL (Buy now, pay later)
Blik, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and fast transfers are all about convenience and security. Deferred payments (Buy Now, Pay Later) are also growing in popularity, as offered in Poland by companies like Allegro Pay and PayPo. This is something that younger customers, in particular, expect.
What do you gain by implementing modern payments? Higher transaction completion rates, greater trust, and a higher average basket value.
Sustainable e-commerce and ecology
More and more shoppers are asking whether a parcel will be packaged in paper packaging or whether a store supports ecology. Eco-trends are gaining momentum, particularly important for Generation Z, but older customers are also increasingly paying attention.
- Options for choosing eco-friendly packaging methods
- Cooperation with couriers offsetting CO emissions
- Promoting products from reliable sources and eco-brands
It's not just PR anymore, for many it's a key reason to shop with you!
Social commerce: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook as a store
Being present on social media is no longer enough. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow you to shop without leaving the app. Influencer marketing, collaboration with creators, and video advertising are also growing rapidly in Poland.
What is worth doing?
- Add integration with Instagram Shopping/Facebook Shops,
- Create authentic, valuable content – customers buy with their eyes!
- Collaborate with micro-influencers in your industry.
Automation, subscriptions, returning customers
Stores are increasingly implementing automated processes, from newsletters to inventory management and product availability notifications. Subscription-based sales models are also on the rise (e.g., recurring deliveries of coffee, cosmetics, or pet food); customers appreciate convenience and transparent pricing.
New technologies: AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality)
For now, it's mostly a toy for big brands and fashion stores (trying on glasses, shoes, or makeup in an app), but the technology is getting cheaper! In a few years, such a virtual try-on could be standard in most online stores.
Summary: How to implement these trends in your store?
You don't have to have everything you need right away to keep your online store growing. It's worth considering things like streamlining payments, improving the look and feel of smartphones, and automating newsletters. Keep your customers coming back and delighted with a tailored offer!
Want to learn how to implement these trends on your website or store? Need support in building a modern e-commerce platform? Contact us, and we'll guide you step by step!
