E-commerce sales in the U.S. grew by 5.1% in Q3 2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024, reaching approximately 16.4% of total retail sales, which also increased by 4.1% during the same period. Adobe Analytics reports that e-commerce sales saw a 6.1% rise in the first six weeks of the 2025 holiday shopping season, with customer returns decreasing by 2.5%.
Innovation in shopping experiences is becoming crucial as consumers blend online and offline purchasing methods. Key trends influencing e-commerce include the rise of AI for personalized shopping, social commerce particularly among Gen-Z, and the increasing popularity of subscription models for repeat purchases. Economic caution among consumers, reflected in declining confidence and a reluctance to spend on big-ticket items, suggests retailers must adapt quickly to meet changing demands.
Despite current challenges, the Zacks Internet-Commerce Industry maintains a strong ranking, positioned in the top 33% of 243 Zacks industries based on performance. Major players like Amazon and Expedia continue to see growth, with forecasts indicating robust revenue and earnings growth in the upcoming years.
