What you need to know

US online retail sales are set to exceed half a trillion dollars this year ($504.1 billion) and grow approximately 80% to reach $905 billion by 2022. By that time, mobile’s share of e-commerce will likely comprise the majority and consumers’ percentage of purchases conducted online versus in-store will be closer to being evenly split as digitally native (younger) generations comprise a higher proportion of the population. By all accounts, Amazon will remain the dominant behemoth in the space as it continues to grow its Prime membership program beyond its current 100 million members worldwide. An interesting trend to watch is the blending of digital and physical: brick and mortar retailers investing in e-commerce and m-commerce (mobile commerce) and pure play retailers expanding to open physical stores or spaces.

Definition

This Report covers online-only retailers and the online operations of brick and mortar retailers and is inclusive of all online purchasing, whether made via a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device. The focus of this Report is on tangible objects that need to be picked up or delivered; digital media, travel, entertainment, insurance policies, and other intangible products are not the main subjects of this Report.

This Report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s Online Shopping – US, June 2017, Online and Mobile Shopping – US, September 2016 and Online Shopping – US, June 2015.

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