As we approach the holiday season, there is a sense of optimism and confidence among American shoppers. The upcoming Christmas season is expected to be bold and efficient, with a range of trends shaping the shopping landscape.
Near Instant Gratification
Fast and free delivery has become the norm for consumers, with a significant percentage of orders being fulfilled within 24 hours. This trend is driven by the infrastructure set up by major players like Amazon, who prioritize rapid delivery in urban areas. Additionally, the rise of buy online, pick up in-store services is contributing to the swift fulfillment of orders.
Canadian-American Relations
Canadian shoppers have a strong affinity for cross-border shopping, with many opting to purchase from U.S. ecommerce businesses. Despite occasional tariff disputes, this shopping habit is expected to continue due to the value and variety offered by American retailers. It is predicted that a significant portion of Canadian shoppers will make holiday purchases from U.S. stores in the coming years.
Holiday shopping has become a digital ritual — convenient and quiet.
Small Business Growth
The holiday season is expected to see a surge in small, independent online retailers, outperforming the overall ecommerce sector. These small businesses, especially those selling unique and locally-made products, are projected to contribute significantly to the holiday revenue.
AI Shopping
Artificial intelligence is set to play a major role in holiday shopping, with a significant percentage of North American shoppers using AI tools for various shopping activities. From chatbots to product recommendations, AI is expected to enhance the shopping experience and drive traffic to ecommerce websites.
Consumer Confidence
With the U.S. stock market performing well and a positive outlook on trade and corporate earnings, consumer confidence is high going into the holiday season. Shoppers are expected to be more willing to spend, contributing to a potentially robust holiday shopping season in 2025.
Last Year’s Predictions
Reflecting on last year’s predictions, there were hits and misses in forecasting holiday ecommerce trends. While some projections were accurate, others fell short of the mark. As we look ahead to the 2025 holiday season, the trends and insights outlined above provide valuable insights for both retailers and consumers.