DHL’s E-Commerce Trends Report 2025: AI and Social Media Reshaping Online Shopping in the U.S.

• Delivery remains the No. 1 conversion killer: 76% of U.S. shoppers abandon their carts when preferred delivery options are missing
• A shift in sustainability: 1 in 3 U.S. shoppers drop out due to sustainability concerns
• Social commerce takes center stage: 61% of U.S. consumers expect to shop primarily through social media by 2030 — bypassing traditional websites entirely
• AI becomes essential: 60% U.S. shoppers want AI-driven shopping tools — from virtual try-ons to voice search — to guide their decisions

DHL eCommerce has released its E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, drawing on insights from 24,000 online shoppers across 24 key global markets including the United States. This year’s study spans eight chapters, featuring six shopper types and four generational segments, all highlighting how evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the future of online retail. While the report covers everything from cross-border purchasing to shoppers’ views on sale days like Black Friday, four findings stand out in particular: the way AI and social commerce are transforming online shopping, the essential role that delivery plays in cart conversion, and sustainability shaping loyalty.

“Your customers are not you – there’s a wide variety of consumers out there with unique online shopping habits and preferences,” said Scott Ashbaugh, CCO of DHL eCommerce, Americas. “It’s best to start with objective research and keep up with it as society and technology evolve.  The E-Commerce Trends Report serves as a great first step for online merchants to consider what consumer preferences and trends mean for their businesses.  At DHL eCommerce, we are committed to supporting you on this journey.”

Shopping powered by AI: Smarter Journeys, Higher Expectations

Advancements in generative AI are ushering in the next industrial revolution. But how will AI impact online shopping? DHL's latest e-commerce trend report reveals that AI is one of the most highly anticipated and demanded innovations among consumers, with 60% of shoppers in the United States wanting retailers to offer AI-powered shopping features. Virtual try-ons, AI-powered shopping assistants, and voice-enabled product search top the list of features consumers actively want to use. Shopping via voice commands is already on the rise, with 1 in 3 shoppers making purchases hands-free. As digital expectations rise, so does the demand for intuitive, tech-enabled shopping journeys that blend utility with delight.

Social Commerce Becomes the New E-Commerce

The traditional e-commerce website is increasingly being replaced — or bypassed — by social platforms. Consumers are turning to apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook not just for discovery, but for purchase. 69% of U.S. shoppers say they have already made a purchase via social media, and 61% expects these platforms to become their primary shopping destination by 2030.

The power of influence also plays a critical role: 76% of U.S. shoppers say viral trends and social buzz influence their buying decisions. Facebook in particular is driving change in the U.S., where 51% of online shoppers report buying through the app. This shift signals a major transformation in how and where brands need to engage with their audiences, and calls for seamless, mobile-native experiences built for in-app conversion.

Delivery and Returns: The Ultimate Conversion Drivers

While new technologies continue to transform the digital shopping experience, it’s the fundamentals of delivery and returns that remain the biggest drivers of cart abandonment. Shoppers aren’t willing to compromise when it comes to convenience, flexibility, and control. In fact, 76% of U.S. consumers say they will abandon their purchase if their preferred delivery option isn’t available. Just as critically, 71% will leave if the return process doesn’t match their expectations. Trust also plays a major role, with 73% of U.S. shoppers reporting that they will not buy from a retailer if they don’t trust the delivery and returns provider. These expectations emphasize the importance of transparent, customer-centric logistics strategies — not just as an operational concern, but as a core part of the conversion funnel.

Sustainability and the Circular Economy: From Buzzword to Bottom-Line Impact

Sustainability has evolved from a brand differentiator into a core consumer demand. In the U.S. 65% of shoppers now consider sustainability when making online purchases. This goes beyond packaging or shipping — 1 in 3 shoppers have actively abandoned their carts due to sustainability concerns.

U.S. consumers are also embracing more circular models of consumption, with 53% opting for pre-owned or refurbished goods, motivated by both environmental values and cost efficiency. Additionally, 53% of U.S. shoppers express willingness to participate in recycling or buy-back programs offered by retailers. These behaviors point to a growing expectation that brands will not only reduce their footprint, but actively empower consumers to shop more sustainably.

As we look towards 2030, these insights provide a clear roadmap for retailers aiming to capture the attention of today's diverse shopper demographics. By embracing technology, prioritizing sustainability, and understanding the evolving preferences of consumers, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Further insights and information as well as the full report are available under the following links: eCommerce Full Report, USA Country Report, All Country Reports.

About the DHL E-Commerce Trends Report 2025

The E-Commerce Trends Report 2025 surveyed 24,000 consumers from Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Its findings offer actionable insights for e-commerce brands seeking to meet changing expectations, personalize experiences, and create growth through smarter logistics and innovation.