As we step into the new year, the question everyone is asking is, "what's in store for eCommerce in 2023"?

Online shopping is a rapidly evolving industry, and staying on top of trends is key to a brand's survival in this competitive space. Here are five technologies and consumer behaviours we can expect to see shaping the eCommerce industry this year. 

Technology trends in eCommerce

AR

Augmented Reality (AR) offers consumers the ability to visualise products in their own homes or explore products that aren't physically available for them to view. Through this technology, items can be tried on and products can be positioned within the home via the use of apps and virtual showrooms.

It's a huge opportunity to build brand awareness and loyalty, as well as cut down on returns rates. The freedom to “try before you buy” has always been a big boon for physical stores, and as AR in the eCommerce industry continues to grow into 2023 and beyond, we can expect to see some real gains made in areas such as fashion, furniture and bespoke design. 

Metaverse

The Metaverse takes AR and turns the dial to level 10.

In simple terms, the Metaverse is a 3D version of the internet. Augmented and virtual realities create connected digital worlds, where people embody customised avatars, enjoy interactive and immersive experiences and use virtual currencies.

Essentially, it combines the convenience of digital shopping with the personal experience of brick-and-mortar stores. It does this by gifting customers the ability to shop with friends, pick up products, try them on, and enjoy live events and pop-up stores – the signature effort of physical stores to attract crowds back to the high street. 

While it's still very much in its infancy, the Metaverse concept has the potential to revolutionise the world of retail in ways we have never seen before.

Elements can be seen in the market today – and 2023 will see an increase. It's been a year since Facebook rebranded itself to Meta and this year, at the NRF 2023: Retail's Big Show Innovation Lab, more than 50 visionary tech start-ups across the retail industry will demonstrate technologies in areas including AR, artificial intelligence and the Metaverse. 

One of the companies attending is ByondXR, which provides the building blocks that help companies enter the Metaverse. So far, this single company have supported the release of stores in over 33 countries across the globe.

If that doesn't spike up the ears of tech-curious business leaders looking to spot eCommerce trends in 2023, nothing will!

Read more about how the Metaverse could shape eCommerce.

Meeting customer expectations in eCommerce in 2023

Reverse logistics is key 

From a financial and logistical perspective, the returns problem will continue into next year.

The eCommerce industry sees a greater rate of returns because the heightened convenience of online shopping lacks the personal touch the customers enjoy when assessing products inside a physical store. Missing information on the website, product damage in the supply chain or the product simply not meeting expectations are all explanations for why customers choose to request a refund.

Fraudulent returns are also on the rise, as more people seek to extract refunds or replacements from brands by claiming products never arrived – or even going so far as to send back empty boxes that might go unchecked before the refund clears.

While retail will always yield a percentage of returns – and most will remain legitimate – there are steps businesses can take to minimise risk. 2023 strategies should examine operational processes at fulfilment centres and how they can identify fraudulent returns. 

Retailers often find themselves responsible for the costs associated with home delivery options, including lost parcels and failed delivery attempts, and should be aware of the impact this can have on true margin.

Read more about the true cost of home delivery. 

Subscriptions 

Subscriptions are a fantastic opportunity to retain customers and collect valuable customer data – not to mention generate recurring revenue.

Even outside of the subscription business model, adding a subscription offering can strengthen a company with a regular product offering. From Netflix accounts to clothing rentals to monthly beauty boxes, the appeal is consistency, convenience and personalisation. Evidence suggests that the subscription customer is more likely to engage with emails, offers and friend referrals. 

While the online subscription market is expected to grow in 2023, it's worth addressing the challenges that run in parallel. With inflation at its highest in years and the cost of goods and services rising exponentially, there is a degree of wariness for pre-paid subscriptions from both retailers and consumers.

With money tight, the 2023 customer is more likely to regard subscriptions for entertainment, fashion and luxury foods as a non-essential convenience premium, and cut back – particularly if they don't feel like they're getting value for money because retailers are struggling with the increased costs to materials and supply chain. 

All of this means brands wishing to adopt this method should think carefully. Success is very much possible, but only with great value and on-time delivery. 

Customisable packaging

Packaging is set to play a bigger role in eCommerce in 2023. With digital shops and third-party couriers, this is one of the most important and overlooked opportunities to engage consumers and give them a personal experience of your brand.

Whether it's eco-friendly materials that speak to the sustainability-minded customer, promotional material to encourage return purchases or customer referrals, or QR codes to incite a deeper level of engagement with your brand and product offering, it's worth paying attention to what the market is offering – and what your customers are expecting from eCommerce brands in 2023. 

The bottom line

Knowing the biggest UK eCommerce trends in 2023, brands can implement these predictions into their 1YP business strategy. This allows them to tailor their online offering to their customers, increasing customer retention by delivering the very best shopping experience possible. 



As we wait to see what 2023 has in store, fulfilment centres like Stowsafe offer cutting-edge technology and flexible eCommerce logistics solutions to help support any business in the ever-changing world of online retail.