U.S. eCommerce growth projections show that from 2024 to 2027, annual online sales are set to rise by an average annual growth rate of 10.9% (1). With online retail expanding rapidly, it’s worth keeping a pulse on some of the latest eCommerce discussions. Here are three of the growing trends that could shape the future of online shopping: 

1. Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping 

2. Social Commerce 

3. Composable Commerce 

Beyond these trends, improving the customer experience and expanding transaction methods are ways businesses can stay competitive (2). Acima Leasing is one option that may help increase eCommerce sales by providing customers with more ways to shop. In this article, we’ll explore how lease-to-own could benefit your customers and support your broader eCommerce growth efforts.

Trends to Watch 

1. Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping – A New Way to Engage Customers 

AR is gaining momentum as a way to help customers visualize products while shopping. 

How Some Retailers Are Using It: 

• Virtual try-ons for eyewear and accessories, with AR smart glasses evolving to offer more immersive visualization experiences (3). 

• 3D product previews for furniture and appliances (4). 

• Interactive engagement for online customers (5). 

• Tire visualization for customers exploring different models and fitments (6). 

Benefits for Retailers: 

• Enhanced customer experience with immersive AR shopping that offers engaging interactions (4). 

• Fewer returns due to better product visualization, which may lead to improved outcomes (7). 

• More time spent on product pages could increase engagement and build stronger customer relationships (8). 

2. Social Commerce – Turning Engagement into Sales

As more customers interact with brands on social platforms, social commerce continues to drive eCommerce growth. The U.S. retail social commerce market is projected to reach nearly $80 billion by 2025 (9). Exploring integrated shopping experiences is gaining traction as a method to connect with customers who are already engaged, streamlining the shopping process (10). 

Benefits for Retailers: 

• Product discovery: Social media can allow customers to find and shop for products through posts, ads, and influencer content (11). 

• Checkout process: Integrated shopping cart tools may reduce friction and contribute to a smoother customer experience (12). 

• Customer support: Some retailers are integrating chatbots and live support to assist customers in real-time (13). 

• Brand engagement: Comments, shares, and influencer collaborations may strengthen customer relationships and encourage repeat business (10). 

3. Composable Commerce – An Agile eCommerce Approach 

Some retailers are shifting to composable commerce, a customizable approach to building an online store. This strategy can help a retail business tailor the checkout experience and operations to their needs (14). Additionally, composable commerce offers easier integration of new technologies, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking agility and scalability. By adopting this approach, retailers can address market demands efficiently and explore new ways to enhance their eCommerce capabilities (15). 

Benefits for Retailers: 

• Utilize shopping cart plugins to expand checkout options (16). 

• Enhance the overall shopping experience through seamless integration (16). 

• Increase visibility via platforms like the Acima Leasing mobile app 

Acima Leasing’s shopping cart plugin offers a way to integrate lease-to-own into your eCommerce experience. This can expand the opportunity serve more customers—including those looking for various transaction options. 

Lease-to-Own: Helping Retailers Reach More Customers 

Many non-prime customers look for alternatives to financing (17). Lease-to-own is a solution to learn about if you're seeking to reach them. With Acima Leasing, you have the opportunity to integrate lease-to-own into your transaction process, potentially reaching a broader audience. Let’s see how offering lease-to-own can impact your business strategy. 

Benefits for Retailers: 

• Increased Store Visibility: Participating locations are visible within the Acima Leasing MarketPlace.  

• Support & Education: Resources are available to educate your employees and customers about how lease-to-own works within Acima Leasing’s process. 

• Seamless Integration: Acima Leasing offers robust APIs and pre-built shopping cart plugins, enabling a frictionless eCommerce experience. 

• Quick Implementation: With turnkey integrations available, you can start offering lease-to-own to customers faster. 

What’s Next for Your eCommerce Growth 

While eCommerce trends like AR, mobile optimization, and composable commerce continue to grow, you must determine what works best for your business. For those seeking to offer lease-to-own as a transaction option, learn more about how we can support your eCommerce retail business. Apply to be an eCommerce merchant with Acima Leasing today! 

 

The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us.

 

Sources: 

1. Oberlo. (n.d.). U.S. e-commerce sales statistics. Oberlo. https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/us-ecommerce-sales 

2. Comm, J. (2024, March 26). Why your business should embrace diverse payment options. Inc. https://www.inc.com/joel-comm/why-your-business-should-embrace-diverse-payment-options.html 

3. Google. (n.d.). Augmented reality shopping data. Think with Google. https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/trending-visual-stories/story/augmented-reality-shopping-data/ 

4. Forbes Councils. (n.d.). Augmented reality in retail. Forbes Councils. https://councils.forbes.com/blog/augmented-reality-in-retail 

5. NielsenIQ. (2019). Augmented retail: The new consumer reality. NielsenIQ. https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2019/augmented-retail-the-new-consumer-reality-2/ 

6. Statista. (2022, June 15). World AR/VR automotive spending. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/828499/world-ar-vr-automotive-spending/ 

7. Price, M. (2024, April 3). How will AR/VR transform the retail experience? RetailWire. https://retailwire.com/discussion/how-will-ar-vr-transform-the-retail-experience/ 

8. BigCommerce. (n.d.). E-commerce and augmented reality. BigCommerce. https://www.bigcommerce.com/articles/ecommerce/ecommerce-augmented-reality/ 

9. Lebow, S. (2021, August 17). U.S. retail social commerce to reach nearly $80 billion by 2025. eMarketer. https://www.emarketer.com/content/us-retail-social-commerce-will-reach-nearly-80-billion-by-2025 

10. De Datta, R. (2024, May 16). The rise of social shopping and the opportunity ahead. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/05/16/the-rise-of-social-shopping-and-the-opportunity-ahead/ 

11. The Future of Commerce. (2024, December 4). E-commerce trends for 2025. The Future of Commerce. https://www.the-future-of-commerce.com/2024/12/04/e-commerce-trends-2025/ 

12. Sheehan, A., & Keenan, M. (2024, September 26). Shopping cart trends. Shopify. https://www.shopify.com/blog/shopping-cart 

13. Retail Dive. (2024, February 20). Why social commerce is transforming online retail. Retail Dive. https://www.retaildive.com/spons/why-social-commerce-is-transforming-online-retail/707190/ 

14. Salesforce. (n.d.). Guide to composable commerce. Salesforce. https://www.salesforce.com/commerce/composable/guide/?bc=HA 

15. Reed, H. (2024, August 20). Composable commerce. BigCommerce. https://www.bigcommerce.com/articles/ecommerce/composable-commerce/ 

16. Sheehan, A., & Keenan, M. (2024, September 26). Shopping cart insights. Shopify. https://www.shopify.com/blog/shopping-cart 

17. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2021). Consumer credit card market report. CFPB. https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_consumer-credit-card-market-report_2021.pdf