Shopping ain’t what it used to be. Remember the days when you had to physically go to a store to buy groceries, or get a new pair of winter boots? Thanks to the advent of online shopping, physical effort is a thing of the past.
However, It’s not just about clicking ‘add to cart’ anymore – nowadays, the game is changing faster than you can say "next-day delivery". eCommerce is constantly evolving, and businesses must stay ahead of these changes to succeed.
From futuristic tech to eco-conscious choices, here’s the lowdown on a few of the trends that are shaking up ecommerce, and how product subscriptions are playing their part.
Personalisation is Key
The one-size-fits-all shopping experience is so outdated. In 2024, it’s all about personalisation. From tailored recommendations based on your browsing history to bespoke products crafted just for you, retailers are bending over backwards (and sideways) to make sure your shopping trip feels as customised as your Instagram feed.
Personalisation is an easy way to help a business stand out, especially in today’s world where customers are paralysed with choice. Businesses must use their data effectively to showcase the benefits of their offering to consumers, and make it easier for them to make a decision.
Personalisation should feel like added value for the customer, like they’re getting even more out of the deal. Small ways to do this include product recommendations based on buying behaviour, dynamic landing pages, and tailored gifts based on customer activity.
Spotify is a great example of personalisation at work. Their ‘Recommended For You’ feature provides subscribers with new songs based off of their listening history, which they’re almost guaranteed to like. Their Wrapped feature takes data even further, repackaging customer data into fun, quirky graphics detailing their personal year in music.
Sustainability: Green is the New Black
In 2024, being green isn’t just a trend – it’s a full-blown movement. Consumers are waving their eco-flags high, demanding products that are as kind to the planet as they are stylish. Enter sustainable retail practices: From zero-waste packaging to carbon-neutral shipping, retailers are stepping up their game to cater to the eco-conscious masses.
By nature, sustainability is built into Rentoza’s business model. Subscriptions feed into the circular economy because they’re time bound and meant to end. Customers return products once their subscription term ends, and that product gets another chance to live again. Expanding product life cycles helps alleviate electronic waste, which is the fastest growing waste stream in South Africa.
The Rise of AR and AI
2024 isn’t just about flying cars and robot butlers (although we’re still holding out hope) – it’s about integrating cutting-edge tech into every nook and cranny of the retail experience. Augmented reality (AR) is taking online shopping by storm, letting you try on that leopard-print jumpsuit without actually squeezing into it. And artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just crunching numbers; it’s predicting your next impulse buy before you even know you want it.
These tools aren’t here to ruin lives; they’re meant to amplify. All businesses can benefit from AI in some way. Using the right AI tools allows businesses to streamline processes and free up time for bigger ideas.
In 2024, it’s not just about what you buy – it’s about how you buy it, why you buy it, and the freedom to advance and innovate. Similarly, product subscriptions aren’t about the what, it’s the why and how. It’s about understanding customers and their needs. And it’s about creating that freedom and space to change without limitations.
To advance, you have to embrace change. That’s why we do things the way we do. At Rentoza, we prioritise freedom, and access, which enables you to constantly grow, unbound from rules and regulations. No credit or contracts holding you back, no heavy costs preventing you from accessing new things. It’s the real future of ecommerce.
Commitment is messy. Just Rentoza it.
