Retail industry overview
The ecommerce industry remains a major growth engine heading into 2026, driven by evolving consumer behaviours and shifting expectations around convenience and personalisation. In the UK, online sales now account for roughly 30% of all retail transactions, making the country one of Europe’s most digitally mature markets. Globally, ecommerce is set to generate around $6.88 trillion in sales in 2026, representing a continued rise in digital purchasing as more consumers shift spend online. As shoppers increasingly expect seamless, personalised and tech‑enabled experiences, brands must stay ahead by embracing emerging trends — from AI‑powered search and personalisation to mobile‑first commerce — to keep pace with expectations and competition.
Ecommerce industry stats
Understanding key ecommerce industry statistics can help brands identify growth opportunities and also refine their marketing efforts to improve performance or streamline spend. Here are some essential ecommerce stats and figures that are worth knowing.
- Global ecommerce sales are forecast to reach around $6.9 trillion in 2026, according to Statista, reflecting continued growth driven by digital adoption and mobile commerce.
- Over 60% of UK consumers prefer mobile shopping – A report by eMarketer highlights that mobile purchases dominate the UK’s online retail industry, emphasising the importance of optimising mobile experiences.
- Personalisation boosts conversion rates by 10-15% – Research from McKinsey shows that ecommerce brands that personalise their customer journeys see significant increases in conversions and average order values.
- Social commerce to exceed $900 billion in 2026 – forecasts show the global social commerce market will reach around $908 billion in 2026, driven by continued adoption of shoppable content and in-app purchasing on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest.
- AI-powered recommendations influence 35% of ecommerce revenue – AI and machine learning are reshaping the ecommerce landscape by offering personalised product recommendations that boost sales and customer satisfaction.
2026 Ecommerce marketing trends
The search landscape has transformed significantly in recent years, moving beyond traditional search engines to include social media, AI-driven platforms, and voice search. To stay competitive online, brands must optimise their presence across multiple touchpoints, ensuring they meet consumers where they are researching, discovering, and purchasing. Here are the top ecommerce marketing trends that we believe are shaping 2026:
1. AI-Powered search and personalisation
AI is redefining the future of ecommerce by enhancing search functionalities and delivering hyper-personalised recommendations. AI-powered search engines, such as ChatGPT, now interpret natural language queries and provide highly relevant results, making it easier for consumers to find what they’re looking for. According to Gartner, 75% of ecommerce brands will leverage AI-driven personalisation by 2026 to improve customer experience and increase conversions.
2. Social commerce continues to thrive
Social media platforms are evolving into powerful ecommerce channels themselves. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook continue to build shoppable experiences that blur the lines between inspiration and purchase. In the UK, social commerce is now forecast to generate around £12 billion in sales by 2026, meaning almost 7 p of every £1 spent online will come from social channels — up sharply from just a few years ago — illustrating how these platforms have shifted from discovery to direct sales drivers.
3. Voice commerce gains momentum
With the growing adoption of smart speakers and voice assistants, voice commerce is now projected to grow to about $194 billion globally in 2026, reflecting rapid uptake of spoken-shopping interactions as part of the broader ecommerce mix. Consumers are increasingly using voice search and voice-enabled purchases across devices, making it important for brands to optimise product descriptions and FAQs to align with natural language queries and voice search behaviours.
4. Everysearch™: multichannel search dominance
The days of focusing solely on Google search rankings are long gone. Everysearch™, our proprietary and industry-leading approach, ensures brands achieve visibility across all search touchpoints — from traditional search engines and social media platforms to marketplace listings and AI-powered recommendations. By leveraging a multichannel search strategy, brands can capture high-intent users wherever they are in their buying journey.
5. Sustainable and ethical ecommerce
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ — it’s a consumer expectation. Over 70% of UK consumers prefer brands that prioritise environmental and ethical practices (Deloitte). Ecommerce brands that communicate transparency around their supply chain, packaging, and carbon footprint will resonate with conscious consumers and build long-term loyalty that continues to be hugely important for brand growth.
6. Augmented reality (AR) enhances shopping experiences
Augmented Reality (AR) is transforming online shopping by helping consumers visualise products before purchase. Studies show that retailers using AR features report up to 40% lower return rates, as customers make more informed buying decisions with virtual previews. This shift not only boosts shopper confidence but gives brands that invest in immersive experiences a competitive edge in a crowded ecommerce landscape.
7. Subscription models and loyalty programs drive retention
Subscription models and personalised loyalty programmes continue to be powerful retention tools. As competition intensifies in ecommerce, brands are leaning into recurring revenue to deepen customer relationships — and the UK subscription services market is projected to grow by around 18–19% annually, reflecting sustained expansion as more consumers adopt ongoing purchase models.
The future of ecommerce
As ecommerce continues to evolve, brands must adopt agile, multichannel marketing strategies to stay ahead. Everysearch™ offers the perfect solution, ensuring brands maintain visibility across diverse search platforms and touchpoints. By embracing future ecommerce trends and aligning with changing consumer expectations, brands can secure long-term growth and stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.
Are you ready to future-proof your ecommerce strategy? Contact our ecommerce digital marketing agency today to discover how Everysearch™ can drive growth and maximise your brand’s visibility across all digital touchpoints.
