
From vibrant short videos to AI, many trends are influencing eCommerce, and online retailers should prepare for a transformative year ahead
Q3 has already started, and eCommerce has never been more exciting. Sales are growing. Section 321 is allowing more products to enter the US duty-free. And Chinese sourcing companies are working around the clock to help eComm brands get more products from the World’s Factory.
Many useful and experimental features are being introduced. But beyond the regular hype cycle, important (and potentially disruptive) developments are emerging. Here’s our pick for the top 10 eCommerce trends shaping the industry in 2024.

Top eCommerce trends to look for in 2024
1. AI: the promising golden goose
Nearly 84% of eCommerce professionals believe artificial intelligence (AI) can make companies more competitive. While the hype of AI currently revolves around ChatGPT, the technology has much more untapped potential. From engaging chatbots and recommendation algorithms to writing product descriptions and SEO content – AI is set to make eCommerce platforms more efficient for businesses and more exciting for customers.
2. The rise of the algorithm: More personalization to drive sales

Smart algorithms have long been a pillar of the eCommerce industry. They can analyze customer preferences and recommend other products. This trend is gaining momentum again following the rise of Shein and Temu, as they’ve been very successful in suggesting products to customers based on the order history.
3. Buy Now, Pay Later: Boosting eCommerce sales with credit
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms have been trending for a few years. Many users, especially Gen Zers in the US, are battling inflation and higher prices by taking up interest-free short-term loans through BNPL. Lending from BNPL is expected to reach $114 billion this year, and online sellers are well positioned to capitalize on this by offering the option to ‘buy now, pay later’ on their website.
4. TikTok Shop is reshaping the beauty industry
Not everyone is a fan of TikTok, but nearly everyone in the eCommerce space recognizes its growing influence on online buyers. After launching TikTok Shop, its store, in the USA in 2023, sales quickly shot up. But what are people buying on this short video social platform? Data from 2023 reveals some interesting trends. Nearly 85% of sales during the first month of TikTok Shop’s launch came from the Health & Beauty category! If you specialize in cosmetics, maybe it’s time to level up your TikTok game to boost your sales.
5. Short video clips are encouraging customers to buy more

Everyone’s social media feed is now brimming with quirky and vibrant short clips. From Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to ‘TikToks’, these short videos have taken social media by storm. Customers are now expecting eCommerce brands to use short videos to showcase how a product is used, what are its main features, and more.
6. Adding more value with subscriptions
After launching its Prime subscription in 2005, Amazon was able to drive unprecedented sales growth by adding more features to its subscription and offering better value. Of course, no company can do something on that scale, but other subscription trends for mid-sized retailers are emerging. eCommerce businesses can follow other models, such as allowing customers to have scheduled deliveries of a particular product in exchange for a monthly or yearly fee.
7. Build a loyal customer base with loyalty programs
Growing sales is not just about acquiring new customers; it’s also about maintaining your existing ones. One way to do this is to create a functional loyalty program where users can easily register and avail the benefits. One survey showed that 6 out of 10 Americans prefer to have discounts upon joining a loyalty program. Other perks can also be considered to embrace this trend, including reward points, free delivery, and early access to certain products.
8. Headless commerce: Maximizing efficiency and streamlining operations

Headless commerce is an architecture in which an online platform separates its front end from the back end. This concept is not just an eCommerce trend; it’s a new way of making online operations more flexible and customizable for businesses. When applying headless commerce, you can have multiple front-end experiences that can be updated and modified independently while all communicate with a single back-end through APIs. Over 70% of professionals who already use a headless structure say it increases agility and helps teams make front-end changes quickly and easily.
9. More eCommerce sales will come from mobile
eCommerce platforms are becoming mobile-friendly, and e-buyers are preferring to do more shopping from their phones. This trend is set to continue, and the share of online purchases made from smartphones is expected to jump to 63% in 2028. If your eComm website is desktop-focused, it’s time to start working on improving the shopping experience on smartphones.
10. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): A reality check

It’s time for a reality check on AR and VR, two technologies once promised to change how we interact. In the realm of eCommerce, AR is making some progress – a few surveys suggest that customers appreciate AR as a tool to try products (like shoes) or get to see it from different angles. For VR, even after the fuss that Apple created with its $3,500 Vision Pro headset, companies are still unable to find a useful application in online shopping.
Let Lansil Global handle your supply chain while you focus on industry trends
eCommerce trends come and go. Some of them become a fad, while others can present new opportunities to drive growth. Regardless of the trend, you should always ensure your platform checks the main boxes: a user-friendly interface, timely delivery, competitive prices, and good customer support.
One way to achieve this is to have a reliable supply chain partner that will make sure your products are sourced and delivered on time. At Lansil Global, we offer supply chain solutions tailored to eCommerce brands, ranging from China product sourcing to direct China fulfillment and USA order fulfillment.
No matter the type of your business, we can handle your supply chain while you focus on following the trends and improving your customer experience. Take the first step today by booking a free consultation.