The end of the year is around the corner. It’s time to evaluate but it is also time to plan. We bring you eCommerce trends 2023, so your company can start preparing for the challenges ahead. These are the top 5 eCommerce trends retailers need to know about to succeed:

Sustainability – eCommerce trends 2023 

More and more brands are researching ways to green up.

Customers are looking for sustainable options but so are companies, that have investing forces pushing them to a more sustainable future. As of 2022, 81% of consumers indicate that sustainability is a priority, and almost 80% of retailers believe that their sustainability work increases customer loyalty.

This trend has been a constant for the past few years and will continue to be a guideline in the future. Retail companies are using more sustainable materials, and eco-friendly packaging but they are also targeting things like return rates. 

Product returns are costly and they are bad for the environment. This is particularly true for online businesses where at least 30% of all products ordered online are returned as compared to 8.89% in physical stores.

How can you decrease your return rates? Read our article on how 3D configuration can help you do it.

Personalization – eCommerce trends 2023 

80% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand that provides a truly personalized experience. Personalization in the past referred to the ability of digital advertisers to track you online and tailor advertising, but the paradigm has changed.

Customers are looking for the opportunity to create something unique online. With 3D configuration that reality is made possible by empowering shoppers to create their own version of a product. 

With 3D configuration, the product isn’t a static image, but a detailed render that the customer can inspect from every angle. Using a phone, tablet, or computer, they can zoom in or out, examining a 360° representation of the product before it’s ever produced. 

The ability to rotate and zoom in on the item enables customers to “feel” for the textures, details, and quality. As a result, buyers are more engaged and inspired in their shopping journey.

Shoppers are also encouraged to personalize the product by changing its size, color, accessories, or parts at the same time they see it come to life in the configurator.

A product that is tailored to someone’s needs is less likely to be returned. A personalized product resonates with the shoppers in a more meaningful way and that adds value to the journey.

Omnichannel – eCommerce trends 2023 

Nearly 75% of buyers use multiple channels before purchasing, and 73% of eCommerce consumers report using various channels during their customer journey. It is therefore important to enable customers to find you on multiple channels.

Having a good website isn’t enough anymore, it has to be highly responsive so buyers can find you in desktop or mobile. Social media also plays a key role when it comes to retail.

Creating meaningful content can be a challenge. A 3D configurator can also help companies nail content creation and increase engagement rates.

First, the configurator will allow you to have the best online view of your product. This can be used omnichannel in your content strategy. Second, since the configurator has a strong gamification component where customers can play with the product, changing its features, it can also be used in social media as an engagement tool.

It’s not just about being everywhere at all times. It’s also about leaving a good impression and providing quality content.

DTC business model – eCommerce trends 2023 

The direct-to-consumer (DTC) business model is not new. The pandemic boosted its popularity and is now something that many online businesses are beginning to target. Manufacturers found that selling directly to consumers was easier and more profitable than going through third-party platforms.

This not only helps to eliminate costs, but it also means that businesses can offer products at lower prices and build stronger rapport with clients. DTC means that customers can go directly to you with any concerns, creating opportunities for you to prove your value, upsell, and cross-sell.

The catch of DTC is that it requires more attention from the company side which now controls every detail of the selling and buying journey. It calls for heavy engagement and more staff and resources to handle the added operational elements, such as production and shipment.

Expivi can empower businesses to control their supply chain and every element of the buying journey in one platform. How? Well, the customer visits your website, engages with the configurator, and creates their ideal version of your product. After payment, a Bill of Materials (BOM) is created with all the components needed to produce that item. That BOM is then sent to production, using the same platform, which means they will have access to all the information needed to create the personalized product.

All parties are connected through one platform and through one unified ERP system. This means that there’s little room for miscommunication and less need to employ extra resources.

Interactive shopping (AR and AI) – eCommerce trends 2023 

Shoppers engage with 3D images of products nearly 50% more than static ones. eCommerce needs to adapt to this reality. Augmented reality (AR) and AI are essential so companies can get there. 

In the near technological future, companies will offer their customers hyper-personalized experiences without worrying about the physical world’s barriers.

Using AR, eCommerce will enable shoppers to “feel” the product and place it in their desired context. Using 3D configures of your products, shoppers will be able to inspect the items from every angle and place them where they want, without having to leave their sofas. Want to see if the table fits in your dining room? No problem. Want to see if a shirt goes well with your skin tone? Easy. AR will help you do that.

Interactive shopping is a major eCommerce trend for next year, and with AR, customers will know if your product fits their requirements at the same time they have a great shopping experience.

Did you like this article on eCommerce trends 2023? Then read about the role of the Metaverse in eCommerce.