<p>Without a doubt, <a href="/articles/ecommerce/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ecommerce</strong></a> is experiencing massive growth.</p>
<p>In 2022, <a href="/articles/ecommerce/global-commerce/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>global ecommerce</strong></a> sales will exceed $5 trillion for the first time ever, accounting for more than one-fifth of overall retail sales. </p>
<p>With numerous factors influencing the ways consumers buy online — including the global <a href="https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/covid-19-ecommerce/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, technological advancements and social movements — brands will need to keep pace with current consumer behavior trends in order to make <a href="/start-your-trial/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>smarter business decisions</strong></a>.</p>
<p>In our <a href="/resources/reports/global-consumer-report-cdl-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Consumer Report</strong></a>, BigCommerce surveyed more than 4,000 online shoppers in the US, UK, Italy, France and Australia to help uncover the major trends that are shaping retail today and in the future.</p>
<p>Here’s a sneak peek of what we found: </p>
<h2><strong>BigCommerce Consumer Behavior Report: Trends and Highlights</strong></h2>
<p><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" title="Global Consumer Report Video" src="https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/8hqin6jxm2?dnt=1#?secret=nwOXtXihRx" data-secret="nwOXtXihRx" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="960" height="960"></iframe></p>
<h3><strong>Over half of consumers (55%) shop online at least once a week.</strong></h3>
<p>With so many shoppers buying online rather than in-store, we wanted to find out what consumers are buying online right now.</p>
<p>Out of 15 different online shopping categories, <a href="https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/2022-fashion-apparel-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fashion and apparel</strong></a> (80%) electronics (56%) and entertainment and media (55%) ranked as the top three. </p>
<p>And the bottom categories? Automotive and boating (14%), investment trends like crypto and NFTs (15%), luxury apparel (19%) and baby and toddler items (19%).</p>
<h3><strong>16% of consumers have used Buy Now, Pay Later at checkout.</strong></h3>
<p>With alternative payment methods, such as digital wallets, skyrocketing in popularity, <a href="/articles/ecommerce/buy-now-pay-later-ecommerce/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>buy now, pay later</strong></a> (BNPL) has been a standout player among consumers.</p>
<p>Of those who have used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), the majority were in the US, UK and Australia, and 49% say BNPL helps purchases fit into their budgets. </p>
<p>However, as income increases, more consumers say it’s not about the budgeting but rather the convenience and transparency of BNPL.</p>
<h3><strong>The majority of consumers (84%) rate sustainability as an important factor in making a purchasing decision. </strong></h3>
<p>However, while consumers do want to support a brand’s sustainability efforts, they are generally reluctant to pay more for sustainably produced items. </p>
<p>Instead, consumers are most willing to sacrifice convenience by having items delivered on specific days — much like Amazon’s Amazon Day option.</p>
<h3><strong>26% of consumers have a strong understanding of the Metaverse. </strong></h3>
<p>Without providing a definition or explanation, we asked consumers what level of knowledge they have about the Metaverse. Surprisingly, 26% claimed they have a strong understanding, followed by 25% with a mild understanding. </p>
<p>But how many consumers are actually ready to shop on the Metaverse?</p>
<p>Almost half (46%) are willing to shop on the Metaverse, and of those, 51% are interested in buying both virtual and physical goods.</p>
<h3><strong>72% of consumers are willing to share data in exchange for personalized experiences.</strong></h3>
<p>Personalization drives loyalty — whether it be through targeted ads, awards and benefits or other customized experiences. </p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, Gen Z and millennial shoppers are the most willing to share their personal data, while Gen X and Baby Boomers are the least willing. However, if a consumer is willing to share, they’re most open to giving brands their email, gender and name, respectively.</p>
<div class="post-detail__crosslink post-detail__style-light"><p class="h3"> Create your own store and start selling today with our risk-free trial.</p> <a class="button button--action" href="https://www.bigcommerce.com/essentials/free-trial/" target="_blank">START YOUR FREE TRIAL</a></div>
<h2><strong>The Final Word</strong></h2>
<p>But there’s more where that came from. </p>
<p>For a deep dive on when, where and what consumers are buying online, as well as what factors are influencing their purchasing decisions, download our full <strong><a href="/resources/reports/global-consumer-report-cdl-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Consumer Report</a></strong>.</p>
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