The e-commerce sector has undergone rapid development in recent years. More and more consumers are shopping online and more and more traders are going online. The COVID 19 pandemic has reinforced this trend once again. But how will online retailing evolve over the next few years? In this article, we take a look at the most important trends and technologies that will influence e-commerce in the coming years.
AI modules take shop systems to the next level
The implementation of AI modules in shop systems is one of the most important trends in e-commerce. Artificial intelligence makes it possible to personalise and optimise the customer experience by analysing customer needs and making appropriate recommendations.a
OXID eShop is a good example of a shop system for which AI modules are already available. With OXID eShop, merchants can make personalised recommendations based on customer behaviour and purchase history. The modules analyse the customer's behaviour on the website and give them recommendations for products that match their interests.
Another important advantage of AI modules is the automation of tasks that previously had to be performed manually. For example, AI modules can automatically classify orders and sort them into the right categories. This makes the staff's work much easier and can save resources.
Augmented reality will revolutionise the shopping experience
Another technology that will influence e-commerce in the coming years is augmented reality (AR). AR makes it possible to project virtual objects into the real world. In e-commerce, AR can be used to present products in the virtual world and give customers a realistic picture of them.
An example of the application of AR in e-commerce is the furnishing industry. Here, AR can be used to show customers how certain pieces of furniture would look in their homes. The customer can use their smartphone or tablet to virtually place the piece of furniture in their home and see how it fits into the space. This technology makes the shopping experience even more realistic and the customer can better imagine how the product would look in their home.
AR technology can also be used with OXID eShop. In combination with an AR app, customers can project virtual products into their real environment and get a better picture of how the product would look in their home or on themselves.
Voice control and chatbots improve customer communication
Voice control and chatbots are other technologies that will influence e-commerce in the coming years. Voice control allows customers to order products and access information without tapping on a keyboard. Chatbots allow retailers to improve customer communication by responding quickly to customer queries and providing automated answers to frequently asked questions.
The use of voice control and chatbots can significantly improve the shopping experience for customers. It can help customers interact with the company faster and more effectively. In addition, chatbots can also be used in customer care to improve customer service and support customers quickly and effectively when they have problems or questions.
OXID eShop has also made progress in this area. The shop offers the possibility to integrate voice controls and chatbots in a modular way to improve customer communication and make the shopping experience even smoother.
Conclusion
The e-commerce sector will evolve rapidly in the coming years. Technologies such as AI modules, AR, voice control and chatbots will play a crucial role in this. By implementing these technologies, retailers can improve customer communication, personalise and automate the shopping experience and strengthen customer loyalty. If you want to be successful as a retailer, you should not close your mind to these technologies and invest in their implementation early on.
OXID eShop is an example of a shop system that is ready for these technologies and thus sees itself equipped for the future of e-commerce. With the integration capability of AI modules, AR technology extensions, voice controls and chatbot systems, OXID eShop offers merchants the opportunity to improve their customer communication and to specifically personalise and optimise the shopping experience of their customers.