ShipStation has released its 2025 E-commerce Delivery Benchmark Report. The report offers key insights to help small and mid-sized businesses navigate an increasingly competitive market. As e-commerce matures, growth is slowing, and consumer expectations for seamless delivery and returns are higher than ever. The report identifies emerging trends and provides strategies to help businesses stay ahead in 2025 and beyond

“The e-commerce landscape is evolving rapidly, and small businesses must adapt to stay competitive,” said Travis Rimel, Vice President, ShipStation. “Our 2025 E-commerce Delivery Benchmark Report offers actionable insights — from leveraging social commerce to optimizing fulfillment — to help businesses meet rising consumer demands and drive long-term growth.”

The report data shows that while e-commerce continues to expand, growth rates are stabilizing post-pandemic, and now businesses are adopting innovative strategies to remain competitive.

Key Findings:

• E-commerce Growth Slows but Opportunities Remain – While 84% of ecommerce businesses saw growth in 2024, the average increase was just 5.6%, signaling a transition from hypergrowth to sustainable expansion.
• AI-Powered Retailers Grow 3x Faster – 96% of retailers use AI, but those fully integrating it across logistics, supply chains, and marketing experienced triple the growth.
• The Rise of Omnichannel Commerce – 54% of consumers plan to shop more in-store in 2025, reinforcing the need for seamless online and offline experiences.
• Social Commerce Boom – 74% of Gen Z consumers intend to shop via social platforms, yet only 46% of retailers currently support direct social commerce transactions.
• International Expansion on the Rise – 73% of online businesses plan to explore new markets in 2025, driven by stabilized conditions and digital commerce advancements.

What This Means for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

For small and mid-sized e-commerce businesses, adapting to evolving consumer habits and leveraging technology is essential to staying competitive. Businesses that prioritize efficiency, customer experience, and delivery innovations to meet evolving shopper expectations have the upperhand. Leveraging social commerce is essential, as businesses that integrate shoppable content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram engage digitally-savvy consumers. Expanding into marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy allow businesses to broaden their reach while streamlining fulfillment operations. As consumer expectations for speed and convenience continue to rise, businesses must offer flexible delivery options, real-time tracking, and hassle-free returns to drive repeat business and loyalty. Investing in automation and digital tools will be necessary to enhance efficiency, optimize operations, and ensure long-term success in an increasingly demanding market.