26+ E-Commerce Statistics for 2024: New Data & Consumer Trends

The Future of E-Commerce: A Global Shift You Can’t Ignore

The digital world is transforming faster than ever, and nowhere is this more apparent than in e-commerce. Whether you’re an online retailer, curious consumer, or industry analyst, keeping up with these changes is crucial to staying competitive. E-commerce isn’t just about online shopping anymore — it’s a major player in the global economy, driving innovation and reshaping consumer behavior.

In this article, we dive into the latest e-commerce statistics for 2024, covering everything from mobile and social commerce to regional growth trends and holiday shopping habits. Ready to see how these stats can shape your strategy? Let’s get into it!

Global E-Commerce: Growth You Can’t Afford to Ignore

The rise of e-commerce is undeniable. There are currently more than 27 million e-commerce websites worldwide ^[1], with 52% of those based in the US alone ^[2]. And it’s only going to grow bigger. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of e-commerce sites tripled ^[2:1], reflecting the significant shift to digital shopping. By 2027, e-commerce will account for nearly one-quarter of global retail sales, making it a $7+ trillion industry by 2025 ^[3].

For business owners and entrepreneurs, this growth represents a massive opportunity. Now is the time to capture market share and innovate in a space that’s constantly evolving.

Mobile Commerce: The New Normal

Headline Statistics:

Mobile e-commerce sales hit $1.7 trillion in 2023 ^[4].
By 2028, two-thirds of all online purchases will happen via mobile ^[4:1].

Five years ago, completing a purchase on your phone was a novelty. Fast-forward to 2024, and mobile commerce — or m-commerce — is the new frontier. In fact, mobile shopping is projected to account for 57% of all e-commerce sales this year ^[4:2].

But with convenience comes challenges. Despite making up 77% of global retail traffic ^[5], mobile still sees the highest cart abandonment rate of any device, with 85% of carts left behind in the US ^[6].

Still, the trend is clear: mobile shopping is the future, and retailers who optimize for mobile will come out on top

Mobile Commerce in the US: A Youth-Driven Phenomenon

In the US, mobile commerce is even more prominent among younger consumers. About 73% of Americans use their smartphones to browse and purchase ^[7], with the 18-24 age group leading the charge at 75% ^[8]. By 2027, US mobile commerce sales are expected to hit $856 billion ^[9], and the share of mobile-driven purchases will only continue to grow.

And while m-commerce dominates everyday shopping, its influence is especially visible during the holiday season. On Christmas Day alone in 2023, mobile accounted for 63% of online purchases in the US ^[10]. Retailers must keep this shift in mind as they prepare for future holiday sales.

Learn How to Boost Your Sales Using Product Badges

Create scarcity to maximize sales
Leverage urgency to increase conversions
Use social proof to motivate buyers

See the guide

Headline Statistics:

Social commerce will drive one in five online sales by 2025 ^[11].
Global social commerce revenues are expected to hit nearly $700 billion in 2024 ^[12].

Picture this: You’re scrolling through Instagram, and a limited-time offer for a product pops up in your feed. With just a tap, you’ve made a purchase. Social commerce — shopping via social media platforms — is now embedded in our everyday lives.

The numbers tell a compelling story: 18.5% of global e-commerce sales in 2023 came from social commerce ^[12:1], and by 2027, the US alone will see revenues rise to $141 billion ^[13]. Facebook is leading the pack, with 20.6% of US social buyers making purchases on the platform ^[14], followed by Instagram and YouTube.

For brands, social commerce represents a key opportunity to engage customers directly in the spaces they already spend time. This shift highlights the importance of social media not just as a marketing tool but as a direct sales channel.

E-Commerce Holiday Trends: The Power of Seasonality

Headline Statistics:

US consumers spent $222.1 billion online during the 2023 holiday season ^[15].
Holiday sales are expected to reach $280 billion in 2024 ^[16].

While every month is important in e-commerce, the holiday season reigns supreme. During the final two months of 2023, consumers spent an average of $2.95 per shopping session online ^[17]. Electronics dominated Black Friday, with 78% of men planning to buy in this category ^[18], but clothing and accessories remained top for women ^[18:1].

Interestingly, the holiday shopping season seems to be starting earlier each year. In 2023, 34% of US consumers started their holiday shopping before Thanksgiving ^[19], and 16% began as early as June ^[19:1]. This shift means that retailers must rethink traditional timelines for promotions, pushing campaigns earlier to capture these early-bird shoppers.

The Future of Fulfillment: Speed and Convenience Rule

In today’s fast-paced world, consumers expect speed — and that extends to shipping. In 2024, demand for same-day delivery is expected to grow by 20% ^[20], with 68% of shoppers citing faster delivery options as the biggest factor influencing their purchase decisions ^[20:1].

For e-commerce retailers, this means investing in logistics and fulfillment options that meet the growing consumer appetite for convenience. It’s not just about offering products anymore — it’s about delivering them quickly and seamlessly.

Regional Powerhouses: The Global Leaders in E-Commerce

Headline Statistics:

Asia leads global e-commerce, with revenues surpassing $1.7 trillion in 2023 ^[21].
China is expected to surpass $2 trillion in online sales by 2027 ^[22].
The US e-commerce market is expected to reach $1.9 trillion by 2029 ^[23].

While the US and China dominate the global e-commerce landscape, other regions are experiencing rapid growth. India’s e-commerce market, for example, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% between 2023 and 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide ^[21:1].

In countries like Thailand and Colombia, social commerce adoption is even higher than in China, with over 90% of consumers in both countries making purchases through social networks ^[24].

This reflects the global nature of e-commerce growth — and the importance of adapting to local preferences.

Amplify Your Shopify Sales by over 175% with Flair

Increase sales - using product badges and sales banners
Maximize conversions - with scarcity, urgency and countdown timers
Automate promotions - with targeted rules and scheduling

Learn more

The Bottom Line: What These Stats Mean for You

E-commerce is a fast-evolving space where opportunity abounds. Whether it’s the continued rise of mobile shopping, the growing importance of social commerce, or the influence of holiday trends, one thing is clear: staying ahead of the curve is essential for success.

Consider that 81% of Americans now shop online ^[25], and the number of online shoppers is expected to reach 333.5 million by 2029 ^[26]. With the digital marketplace only growing, now is the perfect time to capitalize on these trends and future-proof your business.

If you’re thinking of launching your first online store, now is the time. Start by choosing a platform that’s optimized for mobile, allows seamless integration with social media, and can scale with you as your business grows. Shopify, for example, offers all this and more.

Pro Tip: If you’re ready get started on your e-commerce journey, check out our guide: How Does Shopify Work & What Is It?.