24 eCommerce Statistics and How to Capitalize on Them in 2023

With many people shopping online these days, now is the perfect time to start an eCommerce business. Knowing the latest eCommerce statistics and trends is essential to make sound business decisions.

We have compiled the must-know eCommerce statistics for 2023 to help you get the necessary information to build and grow your online business.

In this article, we will discuss various interesting eCommerce statistics, including the purchase behavior of global internet users, mobile shopping, eCommerce marketing, and social media’s relation to online purchases. Let’s get started.

Top 5 Online Sales Statistics to Consider for 2023–2025

Here are the top five eCommerce stats that illustrate the current state of the eCommerce industry:

• Online global retail sales are projected to surpass $7 trillion by 2025.
• The average cart abandonment rate is 69.99%.
• Mobile commerce contributes over 67.2% of all online sales.
• 54% of consumers want more video content from the businesses they follow.
• 89% of eCommerce companies are investing in personalization.

Check out our article on the latest eCommerce trends to look out for in 2024 to get a sense of the industry’s future direction.

General eCommerce Statistics

This section explores global eCommerce growth projections and general retail sales data. They are relevant for all online retailers regardless of where they operate.

The following are the top eCommerce statistics for general business decision-making.

1. eCommerce Sales Could Reach 20.8% of Retail Sales Worldwide

In 2022, over 2.3 billion people were expected to buy goods and services online. As of January 2023, the world population comprises around 8 billion people. That means at least 28% of the worldwide population shop online to fulfill their needs.

The US, one of the biggest eCommerce markets, reached around 268 million digital buyers in 2022. This number is expected to reach nearly 285 million by 2025.

To conclude, the increase of online shoppers worldwide shows no signs of slowing down. Therefore, it is an excellent time to start an online retail business.

2. Worldwide Online Retail Sales May Surpass $7 Trillion by 2025

In the US, the retail eCommerce sales for the third quarter of 2022 reached around $265 billion. This is a 3% increase from the previous quarter.

The same trend can be seen in Europe. The continent’s eCommerce market revenue is growing by 10.60% yearly from 2023 to 2027.

Additionally, 63% of shopping journeys start online. This creates opportunities for online shops to enter marketplaces and generate revenues.

You can turn new shoppers into returning digital buyers by employing on-point marketing strategies and fostering an excellent customer experience.

3. The Electronics Industry Leads the Market

Consumer electronics took the lead in the global business-to-consumer (B2C) eCommerce industry in 2022. Generating over $988.4 billion, this market beat the fashion industry, which came first in 2021.

Despite ranking second, the fashion industry still generates $904.5 billion in revenue, making it prospective in the coming years. If you’re interested in this eCommerce business niche, check out our article on starting an online clothing store.

Other thriving industries include furniture, toys and hobbies, and personal and household care. Meanwhile, the food and beverages industries have the fastest growth, showing a 38% and 35% revenue increase, respectively.

4. China Dominates the eCommerce Market Share

Around 80% of Chinese internet users buy from eCommerce stores. Since China accounts for 18.47% of the world population, the country contributes significantly to global retail eCommerce sales.

The country’s top online retailer Alibaba generated over $700 billion in online sales in 2022. Other huge Chinese eCommerce companies, like JD.com, TMall, and Taobao, also contribute to the country’s massive online sales. Many of these businesses also sell to resellers worldwide.

If you want to enter the Chinese market, consider building a multilingual eCommerce store with a localized assortment of products. Read our article on the best WordPress translation plugins for recommended tools.

Moreover, promote your eCommerce store via China’s most popular social media platforms, like Weibo, Douyin, and WeChat. This can help boost brand awareness in the country.

Online Shopping Behavior Statistics

Understanding online shopping trends and customer behavior is essential for any eCommerce strategy. It improves the online shopping experience and increases your business’s sales. Here are the top five eCommerce data on online shopping behaviors and tips to take advantage of them.

5. The Average Cart Abandonment Rate Is 69.99%

There is a negative online shopping trend where almost 70% of online shoppers abandon their cart before checkout. Therefore, maintaining a good user experience on your eCommerce platform is crucial to secure sales.

According to Baymard Institute, the top three reasons for online shopping cart abandonment are unexpected extra costs (48%), account creation requirements (24%), and a slow delivery process (22%).

Free shipping can help reduce online shopping cart abandonment on desktop and mobile devices. Additionally, if your eCommerce site has a signup system, allow users to make online purchases without registering.

Interestingly, mobile users display a higher cart abandonment rate of 85.65%. This is a telltale sign that you must optimize today’s eCommerce sites for mobile users.

6. Digital Wallet Dominated 49% of Global eCommerce Payments

In 2021, digital wallets, credit, and debit cards were the three most popular online payment methods in the global eCommerce market.

Digital wallets account for nearly half of all online transactions worldwide. Its market share is projected to reach 53% in 2025. Meanwhile, other payment methods are declining.

eCommerce stores should utilize this momentum and integrate popular digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay into their eCommerce sites. Doing so will eliminate complicated checkout processes and positively influence customers’ purchasing decisions.

7. 9 Out of 10 Consumers Read Online Reviews Before Purchasing

54.7% of consumers read at least four online reviews before buying a product. Meanwhile, almost three in four consumers have posted local business reviews.

As 97% of online shoppers who read reviews also look for responses from online stores, responding to customer reviews can help your branding. Try replying to negative reviews within a week to avoid leaving a bad impression.

Unsurprisingly, 59% of online shoppers use Google to find reviews. Since online consumers usually turn to Google My Business for local business reviews, consider listing your business on the platform if you haven’t.

8. 52% of Online Shoppers Consider Sustainability Important

Forbes reported that 2020 and 2021 saw record-breaking deliveries. Meanwhile, there are currently about 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste worldwide. The global concern for inorganic waste is pushing the sustainable eCommerce trend.

52% of eCommerce shoppers worldwide seriously consider environmental impacts when shopping online. In the US alone, 64% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products.

To make your business more sustainable, go paperless and use biodegradable packaging. If you produce your products in-house, choose sustainable ingredients to appeal to eco-conscious customers.

9. 56.6% of Customers Prefer Online Stores

Online shopping still dominates global commerce sales, making it a favorable choice for business owners.

According to Raydiant, most people prefer eCommerce platforms for their 24/7 availability, convenience, discount codes, health safety, and speed.

However, the data also indicates that almost half of the customers prefer brick-and-mortar stores. A business that sells offline and online can cover both customer bases.

Don’t forget to ensure a seamless shopping experience across multiple channels. This can boost sales at your brick-and-mortar shop and online store.

10. Live Chat Support Encourages 38% of Customers to Buy

Live chat plays a significant role in user engagement and the overall eCommerce experience. 51% of consumers are more inclined to repeat purchases from eCommerce businesses with live chat support.

However, 40% of consumers have low expectations regarding the quality and speed of live chat support. 84% of consumers have given up on a live chat due to long wait times and poor responses.

Providing an excellent live chat experience will cater to this group of consumers. Invest in a knowledgeable support team that can provide personalized expert assistance.

Avoid giving scripted responses that make your company’s consumer interactions impersonal. Additionally, optimize the queuing system to reduce wait times.

If your online store runs on WordPress, there are numerous great live chat plugins for providing customer service.

Mobile Commerce Statistics

Mobile commerce offers abundant opportunities for eCommerce markets to increase brand awareness and convert website visits into purchases.

Here are the top five mobile eCommerce stats and how to capitalize on them to influence mobile purchasing decisions.

11. Worldwide Mobile Users Are Still Increasing

In 2025, the number of global mobile users is projected to reach 7.49 billion. This is around 92% of the current world population.

On average, people spend more than three hours on their phones daily.

Since mobile accounts for approximately half of the web traffic worldwide, business owners must see this as an opportunity to grow their brands. Focusing on mobile websites can help boost your eCommerce revenue.

12. Mobile Commerce Contributes to Over 67.2% of All Digital Sales

The rapid rise of mobile usage contributes to the global mobile commerce market growth.

Global mobile commerce has a 29% growth rate, which is 7% higher than general eCommerce. Today, mobile eCommerce accounts for over 67.2% of all online transactions.

It is expected that mobile commerce sales share in the US will reach 8% In 2023. This number is projected to grow and reach 10% by 2025.

Improved mobile user experience and seamless payment methods are two main reasons users prefer mobile apps.

Developing a mobile app can improve customers’ shopping experience and bring an increase in online sales.

13. Voice Shopping Contributes $2 Billion in Consumer Spending

The accessibility of mobile devices has contributed to the global voice commerce market growth. More people have become dependent on voice assistants as the feature allows them to use mobile gadgets without typing.

In 2022, 62% of US citizens over 18 used a voice assistant. Around 80% of consumers who purchase via voice assistants are satisfied with their experience.

Consider adapting to this trend by optimizing your store for voice search. Pay attention to local SEO and utilize long-tail keywords to make your online store discoverable via voice search.

14. Amazon Is the Top eCommerce App in the US

The Amazon Shopping App accumulated nearly 35 million downloads in 2022, making it the most popular eCommerce application in the US.

Amazon has the leading 37.8% market share among US online retailers. Additionally, the company generated total net sales of around $121.2 billion during the third quarter of 2022.

If running your own website seems like a hassle, consider joining online marketplaces like Amazon and building your brand there.

Alternatively, when building a retail website, choose a platform that supports Amazon integration.

15. 29% of All Mobile Users Will Use QR Payments by 2025

In 2020, 1.5 billion people used QR code payments. In the US, QR usage increased by 11% in 2021. To no one’s surprise, this payment method’s global transaction value is predicted to reach $2.7 trillion by 2025.

This payment method is most popular among people aged 18-29. The top three QR code uses include the buy button, mobile transfers, and peer-to-peer transfers.

There are many ways to utilize QR codes to increase traffic. For example, generate one for your online shop and put it on promotional materials. Since many people are inclined to scan QR codes, you’ll make it easier for them to visit the shop.

If you run a physical store, supporting QR code payments can boost the in-store shopping experience. Offering more payment options will positively influence buying decisions.

eCommerce Marketing Statistics

The eCommerce marketing sector has evolved over the past years. Creating on-point marketing campaigns is essential to remain relevant in this highly competitive market.

The following are eCommerce statistics to help you design the best marketing campaign.

16. Loyalty Programs Influence 83% of Consumers to Repurchase

Loyalty programs are another popular marketing strategy to increase conversion and customer retention rates. 83% of customers surveyed by Yotpo say that a loyalty program influences their buying decisions.

Improving retention by only 5% will boost your business’s revenue by at least 25%. That’s because 42% of consumers spend more on brands they’re loyal to.

Note that 79% of consumers are no longer interested in accumulating points. So, if you’re thinking of starting a loyalty program, consider offering immediate rewards instead.

Premium or paid loyalty programs are now a popular alternative. In fact, 81% of conventional loyalty members are willing to join a premium loyalty program if it includes valuable benefits.

Some popular premium loyalty program rewards include free shipping, discounts, and online deals.

17. 89% of eCommerce Companies Are Investing in Personalization

Impersonal website content frustrates 71% of consumers. Therefore, it’s no surprise that 51% of marketers say that personalization is their number one priority.

76% of consumers are more likely to purchase from companies that offer a personalized customer experience. Moreover, 78% of consumers will likely repurchase from those companies.

Creating personalized marketing campaigns and shopping experiences requires accurate customer data. Tools like Google Analytics let an eCommerce seller monitor various website statistics. Doing so will give you better insights into customer preferences and shopping habits.

If WordPress powers your online store, there are many Google Analytics plugins that can streamline the integration process.

18. Video Is the Leading Web Content Type

91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool. Marketers are also aware of the value of video marketing in generating retail sales. 96% of them see video as a vital part of their marketing strategy

66% of businesses used live-action videos to promote their brand in 2022. Meanwhile, 57% used screen-recorded videos, and 55% used animated videos.

54% of consumers want to see more video content from a business they support. By posting short videos about your products, you don’t have to rely on online ads to attract potential customers and retain existing ones.

19. 70% of Small Businesses Have a Website

With this rising trend in online shopping, having your own website enables online transactions and helps you reach more potential customers.

Most businesses saw business websites’ importance when the pandemic reduced physical shopping tremendously. Around 86% of small businesses that don’t already have a website plan to create one in the near future.

However, small businesses may face challenges when running an online business. 14% of them get low website traffic, and 11% struggle with website building and maintenance costs.

Business owners apply SEO methods and utilize social media to attract more clients without spending too much money. Furthermore, small businesses can use free or affordable website platforms to minimize website building costs.

Social Media Statistics for eCommerce

The number of mobile device users grows alongside social media. As a result, social sites have become one of the best online marketing channels.

Here are all the facts about social eCommerce, with tips on leveraging them to increase sales.

20. Social Commerce Will Become More Popular

Many social apps like Instagram and TikTok have added eCommerce functionality, making them new online shopping platforms. Social commerce is estimated to generate around $30.73 billion in 2023 – 20% of worldwide eCommerce sales.

Most of the potential customers from these platforms skew younger. Businesses that target a younger demographic must maintain their social media presence.

If you want to promote your business on a social platform, consider taking advantage of social eCommerce features. For example, Facebook’s Commerce Manager tool lets you manage shop catalogs on Facebook and Instagram.

21. There Are 6 New Social Media Users Every Second

In October 2022, there were 4.74 billion social network users worldwide. In other words, about 59% of the global population uses social platforms.

There are six social platforms with over 1 billion monthly active users. Meanwhile, there are 11 social platforms with at least 300 million monthly active users. Facebook is the world’s most populous social platform, with around 2.9 billion monthly active users.

Building a presence on these online channels can boost your brand awareness, turning visits into social commerce sales.

Add social media icons to your store to encourage online customers to share their favorite products on their accounts. WordPress has many social media plugins you can install to let visitors share your products and content.

22. Social Data Helps 90% of Marketers to Be More Competitive

31% of consumers prefer social media to share product or service feedback. Social media is also the most popular channel for getting assistance from businesses. They even outrank dedicated customer service channels and email support.

91% of consumers who follow eCommerce brands on social platforms visit their websites and apps, whereas 90% choose to buy from them.

86% of consumers prefer brands they follow over a competitor, with 83% going as far as recommending those brands to their friends and family.

Based on these social media eCommerce statistics, it’d be beneficial for your business to have active social accounts. Establishing your presence on various social platforms helps build brand awareness, boost your customer experience, and increase total retail sales.

Additionally, social media marketing is suitable for a small eCommerce business. Around 71% of small-to-mid-sized businesses use social platforms to promote themselves.

23. Instagram Is the Top Social Platform for Keeping Up With Brands

In 2022, Instagram reached around 1.3 billion daily active users worldwide. And according to an Ipsos Marketing study, it is the number one most popular social platform for following brands.

Instagram’s popularity and ability to let B2C companies share photos and videos offer great potential exposure. Moreover, 15% of US shoppers begin their online shopping searches on Instagram.

If you’re looking for social media platforms for brand promotion, Instagram is worth considering. Integrate Instagram plugins on your WordPress website and boost brand awareness.

24. 88% of Consumers Consider Brand Authenticity Important

Marketers have created numerous types of content to convey authentic brand messages. Despite this, 60% of consumers think user-generated content (UGC) is the most genuine.

79% of consumers find that UGC influences their buying decisions more than influencer or branded content. Additionally, 58% of online shoppers have abandoned their shopping carts due to the absence of user reviews and pictures.

The best way to generate UGC is to invite consumers to join your online community. 65% of gen Z consumers are happy to join brand communities and create content for companies they believe in.

Besides providing excellent promotional material, brand communities can improve customer loyalty and encourage purchases online. After all, 61% of consumers are more likely to buy from engaging brands.

Sources

1. Oberlo
2. Insider Intelligence
3. DataReportal
4. Business.com
5. Baymard Institute
6. Worldpay
7. GFK
8. Raydiant
9. Kayako
10. Statista
11. Techjury
12. ReadyCloud
13. Juniper Research
14. Yotpo
15. Spiceworks
16. Popupsmart
17. Top Design Firms
18. The Future of Commerce
19. Sprout Social
20. Hootsuite
21. Nosto
22. Drip
23. Census Bureau
24. Worldometer
25. Tidio
26. OptiMonk
27. Forbes
28. Recycle Coach
29. Exploding Topics
30. NPM
31. PYMNTS
32. Scanova
33. Bain & Company
34. Recurly
35. Access
36. Startup Bonsai
37. Wyzowl
38. LinkedIn

Conclusion

The rapid growth of online shopping has created a saturated market. This can be difficult to navigate unless you keep up with the ever-evolving eCommerce industry.

Understanding your target audience and their motivation to shop will make it easier to connect with online shoppers and turn eCommerce website visits into sales.

This article compiles 24 must-know eCommerce statistics about consumer behavior, mobile shopping, social media, and marketing. We have also suggested actions to leverage each statistic for increased returns.

We hope this article about eCommerce growth statistics has helped you understand the industry’s current state. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.

eCommerce Statistics FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about eCommerce statistics.