36 Eye-Opening Ecommerce Statistics You Can’t Ignore
Ecommerce has revolutionized the way we shop, transforming the retail landscape at an unprecedented pace. With online sales projected to capture a staggering 41% of global retail by 2027, up from just 18% in 2017, it’s clear that ecommerce is not just a trend – it’s the future of retail.
At IncRev, we’ve compiled the most up-to-date and impactful ecommerce statistics to give you a comprehensive view of this dynamic industry. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or simply curious about the state of online shopping, these stats will provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and the future of digital commerce.
Let’s dive into the numbers that are shaping the world of ecommerce.
General Ecommerce Statistics: The Big Picture
To truly grasp the scale and growth of ecommerce, we need to look at the overall market size and its trajectory:
- Global retail ecommerce sales are projected to reach an astounding $6.33 trillion in 2024, marking an 8.76% increase from the previous year.
- Ecommerce now accounts for 20.1% of total retail sales worldwide, with forecasts suggesting this share will grow to 22.6% by 2027.
- In the United States alone, retail ecommerce sales hit $1.1 trillion in 2024, up from $1.03 trillion in 2022.
The Ecommerce Giants
When it comes to market dominance, some players stand out:
- Amazon continues to lead the pack, accounting for 40.4% of total retail ecommerce sales in the US, with gross sales of $491.65 billion in 2024.
- The top 3 most visited ecommerce sites in the US are Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, showcasing the power of established marketplaces.
Emerging Trends in Ecommerce Categories
The ecommerce landscape is evolving, with certain categories showing significant growth:
- By 2027, grocery is forecasted to become the largest ecommerce category in the US, accounting for 19.0% of ecommerce sales.
- Currently, clothing, shoes, and beauty products are the top 3 digital purchases in the US, reflecting changing consumer priorities.
Online Shopping Behavior: Understanding the Modern Consumer
To succeed in ecommerce, it’s crucial to understand what drives consumer behavior:
- 56.1% of internet users worldwide aged 16 to 64 make an online purchase each week, highlighting the frequency of online shopping.
- The average annual spending per online shopper worldwide reached $1,109 in 2024, with US buyers spending an average of $2,700.
What Drives Online Purchases?
Consumers have clear preferences when it comes to online shopping:
- Free delivery (50.6%), coupons and discounts (39.3%), and easy returns policy (33.2%) are the top 3 online purchase drivers globally.
- 48% of US consumers cite high extra costs (shipping, tax, fees) as the main reason for abandoning shopping carts during checkout.
Mobile Ecommerce: The Future is in Our Hands
Mobile commerce is no longer the future – it’s the present:
- 29.9% of internet users worldwide buy something online each week via a mobile phone.
- Mobile ecommerce sales reached $2.07 trillion globally in 2024, accounting for 57% of total ecommerce sales.
- In the US, mobile ecommerce accounts for 44.1% of online sales, representing $564.1 billion in order value.
The Mobile Shopping Experience
Despite the growth, there’s still room for improvement in mobile commerce:
- 61% of American adults consider mobile shopping a necessary online shopping attribute.
- However, the average conversion rate for mobile purchases (2%) still lags behind desktop (3%), indicating potential for optimization.
Social Commerce: Where Social Media Meets Shopping
Social media platforms are increasingly becoming shopping destinations:
- 50.3% of social media users in the US have made at least one purchase via a social channel in 2024.
- US social commerce sales reached $67.06 billion in 2024, with projections to grow to $144.52 billion by 2027.
Platform Preferences
Different demographics prefer different platforms for social shopping:
- Among all US adults, Facebook (49%), YouTube (46%), and Instagram (40%) are the most popular platforms for direct purchases.
- For Gen Z (ages 18-26), Instagram (71%), YouTube (68%), and TikTok (68%) lead in social commerce.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ecommerce Revolution
As these statistics clearly demonstrate, ecommerce is not just growing – it’s transforming the very nature of retail. At IncRev, we understand the complexities of this rapidly evolving landscape. Our expertise in SEO, link building, and digital marketing strategies can help your business navigate these changes and capitalize on the immense opportunities in the world of online commerce.
From optimizing for mobile to leveraging social commerce, the key to success lies in staying ahead of these trends and adapting your strategies accordingly. With the right approach, your business can thrive in this digital-first economy.
Ready to take your ecommerce strategy to the next level? Contact IncRev today and let’s discuss how we can help you leverage these insights to drive growth and success in your online business.
FAQs About Ecommerce Statistics
What percentage of retail sales are expected to be ecommerce by 2027?
According to forecasts, ecommerce is expected to capture 41% of retail sales worldwide by 2027, a significant increase from 18% in 2017.
How much do online shoppers spend annually on average?
The average annual spending per online shopper worldwide reached $1,109 in 2024. In the US, the average online spend per buyer is higher, at $2,700.
What are the top reasons consumers abandon their online shopping carts?
The main reasons include high extra costs (48%), requirement to create an account (26%), and security concerns with sharing credit card information (25%).
How significant is mobile commerce in the overall ecommerce landscape?
Mobile commerce is increasingly dominant, accounting for 57% of total ecommerce sales worldwide in 2024, with revenue reaching $2.07 trillion.
What percentage of social media users make purchases through social channels?
In the US, 50.3% of social media users have made at least one purchase via a social channel in 2024, highlighting the growing importance of social commerce.
