The eCommerce landscape is changing faster than ever before. There has been more development in the world of online shopping in the past few years than in the last 10. In this ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce, staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses striving to remain competitive and innovative. 

That’s precisely why the Arkenauts recently set sail for the eCommerce Expo event in London. This two for one event saw both eCommerce experts and vendors seamlessly sit alongside those from the Technology for Marketing world. 

After a two day event of insightful talks on everything from strategies to boost sales, to Web 3 and what role AI will have in online retail, we are primed and ready to fill you in on everything you need to know and explore what the future holds for the world of online retail.

1. Customer-Centricity Rules Supreme:

While this isn’t news to us, as the way customers shop online develops so does the way in which we put customers in the centre of our strategies. In a digital age marked by endless options, personalisation is the compass that guides customers toward your brand. With more competition than ever before, hyper-personalisation of the customer’s online shopping experience is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

As the experts throughout the day provided unique insights into personalisation strategies, we picked up on three key aspects of this trend:

• Data-Driven Personalisation: Businesses must harness the power of data analytics to gain insights into customer behaviour and preferences. Understanding the ‘why’ behind customer actions can lead to more meaningful interactions and, ultimately, conversions.

• AI-Powered Customer Service: Chatbots and AI-driven customer service solutions are transforming the way businesses engage with their audience. These technologies offer real-time assistance and address customer queries promptly, enhancing the overall shopping experience – and in turn attaining those allustive returning buyers.

• Omnichannel Excellence: Seamless integration across various sales channels is vital. Consumers expect a consistent experience whether they’re shopping online, on mobile devices, or in physical stores. Achieving this harmony can be a game-changer for businesses.

2. Sustainability is Not a Buzzword – It’s a Priority:

The second core insight that gleaned from the event was the growing importance of sustainability in ecommerce. Today’s consumers are not just looking for quality products at competitive prices; they’re also seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible brands. In fact 77% of consumers buy from brands that share the same values as they do. Sustainability is not only good for the planet but also for your brand’s reputation and customer loyalty.

The three key things we learned about sustainability: 

• Green Packaging Initiatives: Reducing waste through sustainable packaging is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. Brands that prioritise eco-conscious packaging can stand out and win the favour of their fellow eco-conscious consumers.

• Transparency and Ethical Sourcing: Consumers want to know the story behind their products. Brands that emphasise transparent supply chains and ethical sourcing practices are more likely to build trust with their audience.

• Circular Economy Practices: Embracing a circular economy model, where products are designed to be reused or recycled, can reduce the environmental impact of ecommerce businesses and contribute to a more sustainable future – and win the hearts of consumers.

3. The Evolution of Mobile Commerce:

Mobile commerce (m-commerce) has been on the rise for some time, but the eCommerce Expo highlighted the rapid evolution of this trend. Social media, in-app shopping and virality has fundamentally changed how consumers shop online, making it imperative for businesses to adapt.

So, what were the key insights we learned about the future of m-commerce?

• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): PWAs offer a hybrid between a website and a mobile app, providing a seamless shopping experience. They load faster, work offline, and can be added to a user’s home screen, enhancing convenience for mobile shoppers.

• Mobile-First Design: Designing websites and apps with mobile users in mind is crucial. A responsive and intuitive mobile interface can significantly boost conversion rates.

• Voice Commerce and AI: Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa are becoming shopping companions. Businesses should explore voice commerce integration to make shopping even more effortless for customers.

If there’s one takeaway from the eCommerce and Technology for Marketing Expo above all, it’s this: eCommerce is booming and the future of online shopping is bright. With more technology on the market than ever before to level up your eCommerce website and customer journey seamlessly, now is the time to incorporate the key insights into your site. 

As Arkenauts, we are committed to applying these learnings to our strategies, ensuring that our clients stay at the forefront of the dynamic ecommerce landscape. With a customer-first mindset, sustainability in our hearts, and mobile commerce at our fingertips, we’re poised to navigate the ever-changing tides of the ecommerce world.