We’re one month into 2021, and while there’s still plenty of questions relating to public health and politics, we can say one thing with confidence: the online shopping boom is here to stay. Following the rapid expansion of eCommerce after COVID hit, early-stage adoption is leveling out and giving way to a new set of trends for 2021. We asked a few of our experts, and here’s what they had to say:
“Loyalty programs and the rise of video advertising.”
Shannon Atwell, Associate Director of Retention Marketing
With stay-at-home guidelines shifting much of our holiday shopping online, merchants offered heavy discounts to stay competitive with shoppers. To retain those gift-buyers as well as incentivize their most loyal customers, Shannon Atwell is seeing brands shift their focus to loyalty programs like Smile and Swell - one of the fastest-growing trends of 2021.
Also on the rise are video-first advertising platforms like YouTube and TikTok. With younger consumers demanding authentic, quality content and a ‘show-don’t-tell approach’, platforms like YouTube and TikTok are emerging as competitive alternatives to Facebook/Instagram.
“Shopify as the eCommerce frontrunner.”
Caleb Martin, Front End Developer
When it comes to eCommerce platforms, Shopify is on a heater with no signs of slowing down.
With Magento 1 out of the picture and legacy brands moving more of their business online, platforms are competing for the recent influx of merchants looking to launch or redesign their stores. From where we’re stranding, Shopify has emerged as the front-runner thanks to a formidable selection of apps and the ability to offer complex features with simple UI and easy-to-understand code base.
“An Uptick of Bundles + Buying Options”
Morgan Mulloy, Retention Marketing Manager
Extra steps to add multiple products to cart doesn’t just waste customers’ time — it also reminds them of how much they’re spending. So to streamline shopping while increasing their AOV, brands are increasingly adding bundle options to their inventory.
They’re also offering more options for how you receive your product. In addition to staying safe, customers simply like the convenience of buying online — it’s got its perks for merchants too. But you can love shopping without loving shipping. To solve the two biggest shipping pain points — wait times and extra cost — more brands are offering curbside pickup as well as increased shipping discounts and incentives.
As 2021 continues to unfold, we’re excited to see what the future of eCommerce holds. Got a few ideas of your own? Share them with us in the comments!
