E-commerce has undergone significant change over the past 30 years, and global retail e-commerce sales are expected to continue to grow in 2023. Mobile commerce, in particular, has seen significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with total mobile app installs on the African continent growing by 17% in the first part of 2022 compared to early 2021. Consumers are increasingly using mobile devices like phones and tablets to shop and purchase products, and mobile commerce sales are expected to rise significantly in 2023. Omnichannel e-commerce is also expected to be a key trend in 2023, as post-pandemic consumers are returning to in-store shopping while still valuing the convenience of online options. Retailers are focusing on experiential and inspirational in-store experiences, and are using apps to enhance in-store shopping experiences and bridge the gap between online and offline.
Social commerce is also expected to continue its growth in 2023, with the global social commerce market projected to reach $960 billion by 2027. Consumers are increasingly using social media platforms to discover and purchase products, and retailers are using social media to create personalized and seamless shopping experiences for their customers. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also expected to play a significant role in e-commerce in 2023, with retailers using these technologies to personalize recommendations and improve the overall customer experience.
Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important to consumers, and e-commerce retailers are focusing on sustainability in their operations and supply chains to meet the demand for eco-friendly products. Finally, the use of voice technology is expected to grow in e-commerce in 2023, with consumers using voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa to search for and purchase products.
In conclusion, e-commerce is expected to continue its rapid evolution in 2023, with mobile commerce, omnichannel e-commerce, social commerce, artificial intelligence and machine learning, sustainability, and voice technology all expected to play significant roles. E-commerce retailers that prioritize customers and create better experiences will be well-positioned for success in the coming year.
