The global online retail market continues its rapid, though gradually stabilising, growth. According to forecast data, global e-commerce sales are set to reach about US$6.88 trillion in 2026, up around 7.2% from 2025. That would represent roughly 21.1% of total retail sales worldwide.
Thus, even as growth moderates relative to the explosive jump during the pandemic years, e-commerce is firmly moving from “rapidly growing” to “mainstream global retail channel.” Additionally, in 2025, there were about 2.77 billion online shoppers globally, roughly one-third of the world’s population, a sign that online shopping has become a normal, everyday activity.
Several technological, cultural, and operational shifts will shape how e-commerce works in 2026:
• AI-powered personalisation & automation
By 2026, AI will be more than a “nice to have”, it will be foundational. According to recent industry outlooks, many retailers have already adopted AI (for marketing automation, recommendation engines, analytics, chatbots), and personalisation will be the baseline expectation, not a differentiator.
AI will also transform backend operations: predictive inventory management, demand-based staffing, automated customer service, and supply-chain efficiencies will all help retailers scale while containing costs.
• Cross-border commerce and hyperlocal logistics
As global connectivity and logistics infrastructure improve, more retailers will expand beyond their domestic markets. In 2026, we expect accelerated growth in cross-border sales and more “hyperlocal” strategies- warehouses nearer to customers, localised shipping, local currencies, region-specific marketing to meet global demand without sacrificing speed.
• AR/VR, immersive shopping & better UX
Online shopping is evolving beyond static product listings. Augmented reality and virtual reality tools- like virtual try-ons, 3D product views, “digital fitting rooms” or room previews- will become increasingly common. This helps bridge the “online vs in-store” gap and reduces uncertainty about fit, feel or usage.
• Ethical, sustainable, values-driven shopping
Consumers in many markets (especially younger demographics) increasingly care about how products are made, how they are packaged, and how they impact the environment. In 2026, retailers who adopt sustainable practices such as recyclable or minimal packaging, eco-friendly sourcing, transparent supply chains, may win customer trust and loyalty.
• Rise of B2B ecommerce
Ecommerce isn’t just for consumers. B2B ecommerce is growing rapidly too. Some estimates suggest the global B2B digital-commerce opportunity could reach US$36 trillion by 2026, with businesses increasingly using online channels for procurement, wholesale purchasing, and vendor management.
For companies traditionally reliant on offline ordering, this acceleration means adopting digital platforms, streamlined order flows, and AI tools to predict demand and simplify large (even multi-million-dollar) transactions.
What This Means for Retailers & Consumers
For retailers, whether small boutiques or large legacy brands, 2026 will be about optimisation, not just growth. The winners will be those who:
- Use AI to deliver personalised experiences and smarter operations.
- Expand globally or cross-border with a localized touch.
- Offer immersive, trust-building experiences (e.g., AR try-ons).
- Align with consumer values: sustainability, ethical sourcing, transparency.
- Leverage B2B ecommerce capabilities (if relevant) to unlock larger markets and streamline procurement or wholesale business.
For consumers, that translates into: faster shipping, smoother shopping experiences, more product variety- and more control over brand ethics and values.
Why 2026 Might Be a Turning Point
By 2026, e-commerce will be less about “growing thanks to COVID jump” and more about sustainable, smart growth, powered by technology, consumer values, and global reach. The scale is already massive, but the next evolution is about being efficient, customer-centric, ethical, and adaptive.
In short: companies that treat 2026 as “the year we upgrade how we sell online”, instead of “just selling more online”, are the ones that will succeed.
The post E-Commerce Set to Hit US$6.88 Trillion: Key Predictions for 2026 appeared first on Small Business Connections.
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