In collaboration with C Space, FedEx Corporation has released its annual FedEx 2025 E-Commerce Trends to Watch Report, offering key insights into evolving consumer expectations. As digital marketplaces become more competitive, businesses prioritizing convenience, effortless returns, and personalized engagement will foster customer loyalty and long-term success in the US Market.
Convenience and Enhanced Post-Purchase Experience Take Center Stage
Consumers increasingly demand a frictionless shopping experience from start to finish, with convenience emerging as a top priority in 2025. Over 80% of shoppers rank convenience as essential, expecting home delivery (81%), free shipping (76%), and real-time tracking (68%) as standard features.
Returns play a crucial role in this convenience equation. A seamless return process gives retailers a competitive advantage, as 97% of shoppers have abandoned purchases due to inconvenient shopping experiences. Simplified returns foster repeat business, while cumbersome policies deter customers.
“E-commerce success in 2025 isn’t just about having the right products—it’s about delivering a seamless, end-to-end customer experience,” said Jason Brenner, Senior Vice President, Digital Portfolio at FedEx. “Retailers that prioritize convenience—whether through easy returns, fast and transparent shipping, or frictionless digital engagement—will lead the market.”
Generational Preferences Are Reshaping Digital Marketing
To stay competitive, brands must align their marketing strategies with generational preferences, particularly in digital spaces:
- Gen Z thrives on digital-first interactions, with nearly 70% of online engagement. They discover new brands primarily on TikTok (51%) and Instagram (40%), making social media presence crucial.
- Millennials are highly brand-conscious, with 81% considering a company’s treatment of employees before purchasing. Additionally, 27% prefer buying directly from a brand’s website or app, reinforcing the importance of direct-to-consumer strategies.
- Boomers still favor in-person shopping, with 53% frequenting brick-and-mortar stores more than any other generation.
To connect effectively, brands must personalize communication and tailor content, leveraging video storytelling and nostalgic elements to foster emotional connections—especially with younger consumers.
Holiday Shopping Is Now a Year-Round Activity
Consumers are shifting away from last-minute holiday shopping, opting instead to spread spending throughout the year. The report reveals a clear behavioral shift:
- 22% of shoppers begin holiday shopping as early as August to manage expenses and avoid price surges.
- By 2026, 30% of consumers plan to shop for winter gifts year-round.
- 16% of shoppers already engage in year-round holiday purchasing.
This shift presents a major opportunity for brands to maintain engagement beyond traditional holiday seasons, offering exclusive promotions and early-bird deals to capture forward-planning shoppers.
The Future of E-Commerce: Adaptation Is Key
As competition intensifies, e-commerce success hinges on convenience, seamless post-purchase experiences, and strong digital engagement. Businesses that adapt to shifting consumer behaviors, invest in social-driven commerce, and refine their return policies will be well-positioned for sustained growth in 2025 and beyond.
Source: FEDEX