As we navigate 2025, the e-commerce landscape presents numerous opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like Reboxed. Staying abreast of emerging trends is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and fostering growth. Here are key developments to consider:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration

The democratization of AI technologies has made them more accessible and affordable, enabling SMEs to leverage tools that were once exclusive to large corporations. By 2025, it’s anticipated that 70% of organizations will have AI integrated into their operations, up from 50% in 2023.

Actionable Steps for SMEs to Implement AI

1. Identify Business Areas for AI Integration

• Assess Current Processes: Evaluate your operations to pinpoint repetitive tasks or areas with high data volumes that could benefit from automation.

• Set Clear Objectives: Define specific goals, such as reducing response times or enhancing customer service, to guide AI adoption. At Rewize, we like to the OKR framework (feel free to check out more here):

  

  • Objective: A clear, inspiring goal that defines what you aim to achieve.
  • Key Result: A specific, measurable outcome that indicates progress toward achieving the objective.
  • Initiative: The specific activities or projects undertaken to drive progress toward the key results.

  *Example:* An e-commerce platform for handmade crafts identified the need to stand out in a competitive market. By assessing their operations, they recognized that providing a unique shopping experience could be a differentiator.

1. Select the Appropriate AI Solutions

• Research Available Tools: Explore AI platforms that align with your business needs. For instance, cloud-based services and open-source frameworks can offer cost-effective solutions. To give 3 examples, Shopify shortlisted 10 of them:

  • **Bazaarvoice:** An AI-powered platform that analyzes real-time data to identify a customer’s likelihood of conversion, enabling personalized communications and product recommendations.
  • **Syte.ai:** Utilizes visual AI and natural language processing to enhance search and discovery features on e-commerce sites, improving customer engagement.
  • **Shopify Magic:** Offers AI-driven tools for content creation, image editing, and personalized customer interactions, streamlining various aspects of store management.

• Consider No-Code/Low-Code Platforms: These platforms enable non-technical teams to develop AI solutions, reducing the need for extensive technical expertise.

  • **Akkio:** An end-to-end no-code AI platform that allows businesses to build and deploy AI models without coding expertise, suitable for tasks like sales forecasting and customer segmentation.
  • **AppMaster:** Enables rapid creation of backend, web, and mobile applications with AI capabilities, facilitating the integration of AI features into e-commerce platforms without coding.
  • **Leap AI:** Provides a no-code platform for automating workflows with AI, allowing e-commerce businesses to enhance productivity through AI-driven automation.

  *Example:* The handmade crafts e-commerce platform introduced AI-driven personalized product recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience and increasing sales.

1. Implement AI Successfully

• Start with Pilot Projects: Begin with small-scale implementations to test the effectiveness of AI solutions before scaling up.

• Train Your Team: Invest in employee training to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of AI implementation. Hopefully if you use tools and softwares, their customer support can help you out.

• Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously assess the performance of AI tools and make necessary adjustments to optimize outcomes. I would say that the main general KPIs that can work for most of the context could be:

  • Conversion Rate: The percentage of website visitors who make a purchase.
  • Average Order Value (AOV): The average amount spent by customers per transaction.
  • Inventory Turnover Rate: This is our forte. The rate at which inventory is sold and replaced over a period. With Rewize for example, you can track all your products health and value, what is selling well (risk to be in stockout) or what is not selling (risk of overstock).

  *Example:* Must Have Ideas, an online retailer of cleaning and homeware products, launched an AI-driven TV shopping channel. They started with a pilot project, developing proprietary software to automate content scheduling based on stock levels and external factors. This approach significantly reduced operational costs and increased sales.

2. Social Commerce Expansion

Social media platforms are increasingly becoming integrated with e-commerce, allowing users to browse and purchase products directly within apps like Instagram and TikTok. Leveraging these platforms can enhance brand visibility and drive sales, especially among younger demographics.

While Meta’s integrated e-commerce platforms are widely used, the spotlight is now on TikTok and its future, which hinges on the outcome of the recent US elections. Here is a short breakdown of the pros, cons, and future considerations regarding opening a TikTok shop:

PRO: Unmatched Reach and Engagement

TikTok’s algorithm drives massive reach and engagement, outperforming other platforms. Trending sounds and filters boost interaction, with users spending 95 minutes daily, creating a prime opportunity for brands to connect with audiences.

PRO: Younger Demographics and Trendsetters

With 63% of users under 30, TikTok is perfect for targeting trendsetters and staying ahead of youth culture. It offers brands access to early adopters and emerging trends.

PRO: Creative Flexibility and Viral Potential

TikTok’s tools encourage creative, experimental content with high viral potential, helping brands quickly gain exposure and amplify messaging through user-generated content.