DHL has something to say about the latest trends in e-commerce

DHL eCommerce has published the first results of its global Online Shopper Trends Report 2024, which provides valuable insights into the behavior of online shoppers around the world.

The first chapter highlights the trends shaping today’s e-commerce landscape, based on a survey of 12,000 consumers in 24 countries. The results show the growing popularity of social commerce, with Asia leading the trend. Some 57% of online shoppers use their smartphone as their primary shopping device. App-based platforms such as Shein and Temu have gained huge popularity worldwide due to their wide range of products at affordable prices. In addition, 65% of global shoppers emphasize the importance of knowing the delivery provider before making a purchase.

“With our Online Shopper Trends Report, we cover all major markets in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, as well as Asia Pacific and China. This provides us with key and valuable insights into online shopper behavior worldwide. By understanding emerging trends in the e-commerce landscape, such as the growing popularity of social media shopping or the impact of delivery options on purchasing decisions, we can adapt our services to the changing needs of our customers. Armed with these facts, DHL eCommerce is well-equipped to adapt its services and provide unique solutions to meet the changing needs of our customers around the world,” says Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce.

According to the report, social commerce is becoming the next big thing in e-commerce. It allows users to buy products directly through networks like Instagram and Facebook. Sales via social media platforms are expected to reach $8.5 trillion by 2030, up from an estimated $700 billion in 2024. This would represent about a twelve-fold increase in six years. 1 Asia is leading the trend, with countries like China reporting 53% and Thailand 59% of shoppers making purchases via social media. Along with this, there is also a shift in the preferred devices for online shopping. Most online shoppers prefer to browse and purchase products using their smartphones. 57% use their smartphone as their dominant store window and shopping device. Of course, this also has an impact on the presentation of products and the structure of online stores.

The global app-based marketplace phenomenon has seen a remarkable rise in popularity, with Shein and Temu leading the way. These platforms share the everyday appeal of offering online shoppers a huge range of products seamlessly integrated with user-friendly mobile apps. Shein is extremely popular with shoppers in the UAE, Morocco and Brazil, while Temu has gained significant traction with shoppers in the US and the Netherlands. However, in Europe, Zalando remains the preferred online shopping destination. Outside of the Netherlands, emerging Asian markets have yet to gain a leading position.

Today’s online shoppers are very cost-conscious, especially when looking for affordable, flexible, and convenient shipping options. High shipping costs are a significant barrier, with 41% of shoppers abandoning purchases due to high shipping fees. Furthermore, 65% of global shoppers emphasize the importance of knowing the delivery provider before making a purchase. This highlights the importance of transparency and trust in the delivery process, as customers want to know the logistics partner responsible for handling their orders.