In the not-too-distant future, customers will be able to peruse their favorite brands – from high-end fashion labels to everyday essentials without ever having to set foot in a physical store.
E-commerce is advancing at an exponential rate, transforming the way we shop and providing unprecedented convenience. To keep up with this dynamic trend, it’s essential for businesses to remain on their toes and constantly innovate. Therefore today I’d like to highlight ten e-commerce innovations that have altered the game when it comes to eco-friendly innovation!
What are some of the biggest improvements in e-commerce to watch for in 2017?
This year, we will witness an exciting expansion of e-commerce platforms that are committed to inclusive practices and have transformed the industry from within.
For many years, the battle for supremacy has centered on Amazon’s dominance in the marketplace for consumer goods. However, with its recent launch of its own retailer, powered by a collection of startups under the Amazon Business umbrella – such as Shopify – it seems like an age-old struggle awaits!
How is online shopping changing for those with disabilities?
For folks who have a disability, access to an online store can be one of the greatest obstacles preventing them from participating in commerce. For example, someone with limited mobility may find it difficult to navigate through the aisles or maneuver around furniture; for many of these individuals even finding their way into a brick-and-mortar shop could prove arduous!
Yet, recent technological advancements are helping to provide solutions which can alleviate this problem and facilitate accessibility for those with disabilities.
In 2019, there are more than 10 well-known ecommerce platforms that boast features designed specifically for those with accessibility needs. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies like virtual try-ons and text-to-speech capabilities, these innovative companies are making it easier than ever before for customers like you who have difficulty navigating online shops due to physical impairments -all while ensuring zero instances of discrimination within their supply chains!
What does the rise of subscription-based services mean for stores in 2017?
Subscription-based services have become an integral component of today’s consumer landscape and the need for retailers to implement this model is rapidly growing. The growth in popularity of these modalities has led to heightened expectations that companies must remain current on their offerings if they wish to remain competitive; which demands an efficient business model that can accommodate frequent customer demands with minimal hassle!
Subscriptions are thriving, prompting companies like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and even Ikea to delve into this space. Nordstrom’s latest endeavor has seen the introduction of a model wherein shoppers can opt to receive their shipments at certain intervals rather than all at once.
Bloomingdale’s has also followed suit by introducing its own limited edition subscription service, providing exciting options for customers who seek a more tailored shopping experience. Even Ikea has introduced its take on this platform with its customizable boxes!
Can you talk a bit about the importance of transparency in e-commerce?
With an eye toward preventing fraud and ensuring customers’ satisfaction, transparency is paramount in the e-commerce industry. Without it, security issues may arise at any moment – not just from external sources like hackers but also from within your own business itself!
This is where platform-level initiatives such as Shopify’s Shopify Trust and Transparency come into play. These tools are designed to help businesses gain clarity regarding their products’ origins while administering multiple checks on product listings to ensure they’re secured and authentic.
With Shopify Trust and Transparency, shoppers can validate that the variety of offerings is consistent across all your storefronts, producers and regions. Furthermore, by providing them with a level of assurance that their favorite brands are adhering to regulations and providing what they promise – this helps curb instances of erroneous purchases!
Are there any emerging trends that you’re excited about seeing more of or forecasting big growth for in 2017?
At the moment, some of the most enthralling trends shaping 2017 are all about increasing accessibility, more accessibility and inclusivity.
Unsurprisingly, we’re witnessing an uptick in campaigns seeking to provide equal access to products and services – whether through a focus on diversity or handicap accessibility.
On the defensive side of things, we’ve witnessed numerous calls for greater transparency from e-commerce purveyors who seek to dispel any notions that lead to unfair treatment of customers by providing personal data only when required by law.
In addition to these introductory points, let’s jump into five e-commerce industry predictions for 2017:
Demand for sustainable business practices is set to reach new heights. This is something that will provide ample opportunities for e-commerce proprietors who wish to create a more equitable model as opposed to relying solely on fossil fuels.
Are you wondering how online retail is evolving? From virtual try-ons and on-demand curation becoming cornerstones of consumers’ shopping experience, to offering products in multiple sizes and colors, e-commerce platforms have come a long way since their early days. And with each successive advancement in technology and innovation taking place within the space – it seems like nothing can stop the constant evolution of commerce!
Conclusion
The future of ecommerce is definitely not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all experience. It’s a personalized, tailored one where consumers can select the products that match their own needs – from sustainable packaging to recycled labels or even an alternative version of an item already purchased in bulk if desired.
