Online shopping isn’t just about convenience anymore—it’s about experience, personalization, and real-time connection. Over the last decade, e-commerce has evolved from static product listings to dynamic, AI-driven experiences that adapt to each shopper’s style, mood, and buying behavior. Platforms like Glance are leading this shift by merging entertainment, personalization, and instant shopping decisions into one seamless journey.

Today’s shoppers expect more than a cart and a checkout button. They want curated recommendations, immersive visuals, social proof, and instant access to trends—all without endless scrolling. The result? Online shopping trends in 2025 are shaping an entirely new retail era—one that blends AI, digital engagement, and interactive shopping formats.

In this article, we’ll explore 2025’s biggest e-commerce trends, from AI style curation to sustainable shopping, plus how Glance AI makes it all seamless.

Mobile-First Shopping Takes the Lead

According to Burst Commerce, mobile commerce currently accounts for 57% of global e-commerce sales and is expected to grow to 63% by 2028. According to Accio’s report 2025 Online Spending Trends: Key Drivers in Social Commerce & Mobile’, 76 % of U.S. adults shop via smartphones, and global mobile commerce revenue is projected to hit $710 billion by 2025.

This mobile-first mindset aligns perfectly with Glance’s approach—integrating AI-powered shopping experiences directly onto smartphone lock screens. This lets users discover products without opening an app, making online shopping trends faster, more visual, and more integrated into daily life.

AI, Personalization & the Future of Commerce

One of the biggest Online Shopping Trends is the integration of artificial intelligence into every stage of the customer journey. AI now powers:

• Personalized recommendations based on browsing and purchase history
• Chatbots that handle queries in real time
• Predictive analytics to forecast demand and manage inventory

A McKinsey report found that AI-powered personalization can boost revenue by 10–15% for retailers. This shift is turning online stores into intuitive, responsive platforms that anticipate what customers want—often before they even know it themselves.

Social Commerce and Discovery Replace Search

Social commerce is one of the fastest-growing Online Shopping Trends, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest becoming virtual storefronts. As discovery reshapes shopping habits, 41% of Gen Z prefer exploring new products using short-form video on social platforms.

• Instagram Shopping allows users to buy without leaving the app
• Pinterest users are 90% more likely to make a purchase after seeing a product on the platform

This trend blends entertainment and shopping, making purchases a seamless part of social media engagement.

According to Wikipedia’s overview of social commerce, about 67% of online buyers use peer-shared opinions from social platforms when deciding.

Glance AI mirrors this shift by embedding discovery-driven outfit suggestions—just like social commerce, but smarter and personalized to your unique taste rather than generic algorithm.

Subscription Models Are Here to Stay

From beauty boxes to meal kits, subscription-based shopping has exploded in popularity. According to Forbes, the subscription e-commerce market has grown by over 100% each year for the past five years.
Benefits of this Online Shopping Trend include:

• Predictable revenue for businesses
• Convenience and cost savings for consumers
• Opportunities for brand loyalty and community building

Sustainability as a Driving Force

Modern consumers, especially Gen Z, are prioritizing sustainability when making purchases. A NielsenIQ survey revealed that 77% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products.
Sustainable Online Shopping Trends include:

• Eco-friendly packaging
• Carbon-neutral shipping options
• Transparent sourcing and ethical production

Retailers that fail to address sustainability risk losing a growing segment of environmentally conscious buyers.

The Growth of AR and VR Shopping Experiences

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are bringing the in-store experience to online platforms.

• IKEA’s AR app lets customers visualize furniture in their home before buying
• Beauty brands like Sephora offer virtual try-on tools
• Fashion retailers use AR to create 3D fitting rooms

According to Deloitte, AR can increase online conversion rates by up to 40%, making it a powerful driver in Online Shopping Trends.

The Shift to Faster, Flexible Deliveries

Consumers now expect same-day or next-day delivery as standard. This Online Shopping Trend has led to:

• More localized warehousing
• Drone and autonomous vehicle deliveries
• Real-time order tracking

Amazon Prime set the standard for fast delivery, but now even smaller retailers are adopting similar models to stay competitive.

Payment Innovations: Beyond Credit Cards

Digital wallets, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, and even cryptocurrency are reshaping payment options.

• PayPal and Apple Pay lead the digital wallet market
• BNPL services like Klarna and Afterpay appeal to younger shoppers
• Retailers like Overstock and Newegg accept Bitcoin

This Online Shopping Trend reflects consumers’ demand for flexibility, security, and convenience in transactions.

Data Privacy and Security Concerns

As online shopping grows, so do concerns about data breaches and privacy. Retailers are investing in:

• Stronger encryption
• Transparent privacy policies
• Compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA

According to Cisco, 84% of consumers care about data privacy and want more control over how their information is used—making trust an essential element of future Online Shopping Trends.

Additional Points: How Businesses Can Leverage These Trends

To make the most of these Online Shopping Trends, businesses should:

• Invest in AI and automation for personalization
• Optimize mobile experiences and apps
• Integrate with social platforms for direct sales
• Offer sustainable and ethical products
• Adopt innovative payment and delivery methods

Retailers who adapt quickly will not only survive but thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Glance AI: Personalizing Online Shopping Like Never Before

When discussing online shopping trends, Glance AI deserves a spotlight. This AI-powered platform is redefining the way consumers discover and shop for products by bringing real-time, hyper-personalized recommendations directly to smartphone lock screens.

How Glance AI Transforms Shopping:

• AI-Personalized Product Feeds: Instead of searching through endless pages, Glance AI curates products based on your taste, mood, and behavior.
• Trend-Driven Suggestions: Keeps users updated with the latest online shopping trends without them needing to browse multiple apps.
• Instant Checkout Integration: Allows seamless purchasing without switching apps.

This makes shopping instant, fun, and tailored, eliminating friction and boosting satisfaction.

Conclusion: The New Era of E-Commerce

From AI-driven personalization to AR-powered try-ons, the latest online shopping trends are reshaping how consumers interact with brands. Businesses that embrace these innovations—especially platforms like Glance AI—will stay ahead of the curve, offering shoppers experiences that are seamless, personalized, and engaging.

In 2025, the winning formula is clear: combine convenience, technology, and authenticity to meet evolving consumer expectations. The future of e-commerce is not just about selling products—it’s about creating meaningful, interactive, and tailored shopping journeys.

FAQs

Q1: What are the top online shopping trends in 2025?
AI personalization, mobile-first shopping, voice commerce, AR/VR experiences, sustainable shopping, and social commerce are leading the way.

Q2: How is Glance AI influencing online shopping trends?
Glance AI delivers real-time, personalized product recommendations, reducing browsing time and enhancing shopping experiences.

Q3: Will AR and VR become common in online shopping?
Yes. AR/VR is becoming a mainstream trend, especially in fashion, furniture, and beauty industries.

Q4: Are online shopping trends different for Gen Z and Millennials?
Yes. Gen Z prioritizes social commerce and sustainability, while Millennials value personalization and convenience.

Q5: How can businesses keep up with online shopping trends?
By adopting AI tools, optimizing mobile experiences, embracing sustainable practices, and integrating emerging tech like AR/VR.