Last update: 13.06.2025

In this blog:

  1. Intro
  2. Unified commerce and the implications for last-mile delivery
  3. Social shopping and the future of ecommerce delivery
  4. Sustainable shopping and lower-emissions shipping
  5. Further reading: Delivery trends FAQs

Intro

In 2025, the fundamentals of how people view retail will continue to evolve. The way people shop is changing – ecommerce parcel delivery must change with it.

Today’s shoppers don’t want to “go shopping”. They no longer see retail as an encounter with a physical or web shop. Instead, they expect shopping to come to them. Brands and retailers need to build touch points all around the shopper.

Our new guide helps retailers, brands and vendors get to grips with evolving consumer expectations. Specifically, it explores some of the key trends that will shape ecommerce in 2025:

Unified commerce and the implications for last-mile delivery

Some 99% of retailers believe a well-executed unified commerce strategy has an impact on overall profitability but 45% lack a clear implementation strategy.[1]

To obtain the “single view of the customer” that is necessary to make unified commerce effective, retailers and warehouses must draw together data from across the business. Data from the delivery process can transform how a business thinks about its customers.

Social shopping and the future of ecommerce delivery

According to TikTok, 75% of its users are likely to buy something while using the TikTok Shop app.[2]

Creating live shopping opportunities will become an increasingly common expectation. Last-mile delivery solutions must adapt to accommodate this evolution.

Sustainable shopping and lower-emissions shipping

Some 66% of consumers are prepared to pay more for products from companies that commit to making a positive social and environmental impact.[3] Offering lower-emissions shipping options at checkout will be crucial to ecommerce delivery in 2025.  

Read the full report: “The next “retail revolution” – how ecom and logistics must work together to embrace monumental change in 2025”

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Further reading: Delivery trends FAQs

What are the top delivery trends shaping e‑commerce in 2025?

Unified commerce, social shopping integration, and sustainable low‑emissions delivery options are the major trends shaping e‑commerce delivery in 2025.

What is unified commerce and why does it matter for delivery?

Unified commerce ensures a seamless shopping experience across channels. 99% of retailers find it boosts profitability, but 45% lack a clear strategy. Delivery systems must integrate unified data for better personalization.

How is social shopping influencing delivery expectations?

With over 75% of TikTok Shop users likely to buy while browsing, logistics must adapt to real-time expectations and integrate with live-shopping channels.

Why are eco‑friendly delivery options becoming essential?

66% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable delivery, and 84% expect low‑emission options as standard by 2025.

How can retailers offer low‑emissions shipping?

Retailers can implement emissions tracking, offer greener shipping options at checkout, and partner with eco-conscious carriers.

What role does delivery data play in enhancing customer experience?

Real-time tracking and notifications reduce WISMO (Where Is My Order) calls and improve customer satisfaction and retention.

How can checkout be optimized to support delivery expectations?

By offering dynamic delivery options, personalized suggestions, and PUDO (Pick-Up/Drop-Off), retailers see up to a 15% increase in basket size.

How can returns be leveraged for growth instead of being a cost?

Smarter return workflows reduce costs and branded return experiences can generate additional revenue by boosting customer loyalty.

What technological tools support these delivery trends?

Multi-carrier TMS platforms, branded tracking pages, emissions monitoring tools, and AI-powered checkouts support these evolving expectations.

What should businesses prioritize in their 2025 logistics strategy?

Focus on unified commerce implementation, social shopping logistics alignment, and sustainability through emissions reporting and low-impact delivery.

References:

[1] https://www.bain.com/insights/the-state-of-unified-commerce-a-bain-and-aptos-study/

[2] https://jonpan.medium.com/retail-everywhere-74a42b97c56a

[3] https://forliance.com/news/2023/03/07/why-investing-in-sustainability-is-a-smart-business-move

 
Johan Hellman
Author

Johan Hellman

VP product management & carriers

Johan has 15+ years of experience within the logistics and shipping industry, holding senior management roles across 3PL, TMS, Supply Chain and Carrier Management. At nShift, Johan is responsible for our world-leading carrier library, including the pre-built connections to carriers and transport service providers worldwide.

 
Johan Hellman

About the author

Johan Hellman

VP Product Management

Johan has 15+ years of experience within the logistics and shipping industry, holding senior management roles across 3PL, TMS, Supply Chain and Carrier Management. At nShift, Johan is responsible for our world-leading carrier network, including the pre-built connections to carriers and transport service providers worldwide.

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