We have seen many new trends in e-commerce since the start of 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on consumers’ shopping habits, which led to the eCommerce industry exploding in many positive ways. The e-commerce market is projected to grow to $5.4 trillion by the end of this year. The e-commerce market is growing, and so do the popular trends.

Augmented Reality Commerce

Augmented Reality Commerce (also known as AR Commerce) involves creating 3D replicas of products that can be viewed “really” at their true size and scale using your phone’s camera.

This trend has helped many consumers make better decisions in their decision-making process. It allows them to visualize themselves wearing the product (e.g. clothes, accessories, makeup, or furniture) and makes it easier to decide whether to buy.

AR commerce was first introduced on Snapchat and Instagram. These filters/lens feature can add images to the screen of the camera. These filters/lenses have been extremely popular and successful in engaging social media users.

Snapchat offers a wide range of filters that users can use. The ‘dog’ filter is a classic, with its tongue and ears moving in and out of the mouth. There’s also the ‘baby filter which changes your face’s appearance to that of a baby.

AR Commerce has evolved to benefit many retail industries like IKEA. Users have access to an application that allows them to search for products and choose items they wish to buy all from the app. This increases the company’s productivity and boosts sales.

Personalization

E-commerce has seen a dramatic rise in popularity, which means there is more competition in the market. As a result of e-commerce becoming more and more saturated, businesses are moving to hyper-personalization for their customers.

It can be done in many ways, but it is most often used to provide unique product recommendations for each individual who has visited their site previously.

This feature allows companies to keep track of the interests and similarities of their target audience, thus providing detailed data that can be used to make personalized product recommendations. These outreach efforts are what will set you apart from your competition.

Chatbots

Chatbots have been proven to be an effective communication channel between brands that are growing fast. Some consumers shop online to avoid unnecessary interactions with sales representatives, but others miss the extra support of shopping in person.

Chatbots are here to help. This feature allows salespeople to communicate with customers online and offer additional guidance and assistance.

AI Technology

Artificial Technology is a well-known future trend in technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of robot or computer that can perform tasks normally performed by humans. This amazing trend shows human-like intelligence, and emotions, and seems to be gaining popularity in chatbots.

Some brands employ real people to assist online shoppers. However, others brands utilize AI technology to mimic human interactions via chatbots. These bots also include automated answers to frequently asked questions.

AI bots, another popular trend, are used to personalize shopping experiences and provide unique product recommendations.

Showcase Sustainability

Harvard Business Review reports that 65% of consumers want to purchase products from companies that are committed to sustainability and have made an effort to support them. A Nosto survey showed that 50% of respondents wanted to see more sustainability within the fashion industry and 75% desired brands to have less packaging.

Brands that take into account their environment are more likely than others to succeed in the e-commerce market.

Social Commerce

Social commerce refers to using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to promote or sell products and/or other services. Users don’t have to leave Instagram or go to a browser to purchase products with the help of commerce features like product tags. They can now directly buy an item from the app.

The Harris Poll found that nearly 3 out of 4 brands have participated in social commerce. The U.S. is expected to only project $79.6 million in social marketing by 2025.

Although not all social media platforms have a social commerce option, some, like YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok already have. Kobe Digital recommends that you make the same transition as the trend is already available on all platforms.

Digital worlds can be unpredictable, just like consumers’ expectations. The future of e-commerce is possible by incorporating technology, such as AR technology and AI to personalize chatbots.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest features for 2022. Kobe Digital’s team of creators and marketers in Phoenix will keep you in touch. They don’t just keep up with all the latest trends, but also use them to help clients build their brands so that they can improve their marketing.