2020 has been a year unlike any in recent memory. If we have learned anything, it is that eCommerce has never been a more critical element in the lives of folks from all around the world. Below, please find 5 predictions about where eCommerce is headed in 2021.

Sustainability – not just a buzzword but here to stay. 65% of consumers say they want to buy products from purpose-driven brands advocating sustainability. Ecommerce brands that prioritize environmentally friendly practices will be in a strong position to win market share in 2021 and the years following too.

How to get there?

• Investigate smarter shipping & reduced packaging methods
• develop companywide recycling policies
• promote products that support sustainability
• offer offset service charge at checkout
• promote an Ecommerce marketplace to resell your company’s used merchandise

Mobile Commerce – By the end of 2021, customer purchases through mobile devices are expected to reach almost 73% of total ecommerce sales

How to get there?

• Ensure a smooth checkout process on mobile devices, then find additional ways to simplify that process even further
• Building a Progressive Web App (PWA) for your online store – PWA’s load faster than websites and allow customers to view pages previously browsed but without internet access.

Voice Commerce –  75% of U.S. households will have smart speakers by 2025. Even if customers are not yet using voice assistants to order, they are increasingly using them to search for products.

How to get there?

• Make your site more voice search-friendly by making use of natural language and focusing on long-tail phrases or even entire sentences

Omnichannel – not just a buzzword but now the standard. Customers expect a seamless and consistent experience across all channels and devices.

How to get there?

• Optimize your website for mobile or build a Progressive Web App (PWA)
• Personalize the customer experience at every step possible.
• Ensure a personalized & comprehensive ecommerce experience with end-to-end online retail processes
• Offer a variety of purchase options, including:
  • Buy online, pick up in-store
  • Buy in-store, choose home delivery
  • Buy online, doorstep delivery

AI/Machine learning – these technologies increase conversions by offering personalized guidance and recommendations to your customers. AI/Machine learning uses shoppers’ past purchase history and browsing behavior to show them products they are more likely to purchase.

How to get there?

• Integrate a product recommendation tool such as Nosto
• Adobe Sensei product recommendation solution- out of the box technology for Magento Commerce customers