E-commerce challenges

In addition, the climate emergency puts further strains on an industry relying primarily on last-mile delivery for order fulfillment, which is responsible for a significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions. At a time when global policymaking is centered around urgently tackling climate change, e-commerce merchants need to rethink their heavy reliance on last-mile delivery and how to substitute it for greener solutions.

Finally, the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in the retail landscape presents a further challenge for e-commerce retailers to meet consumer expectations in terms of personalization, automation and cyber security.

The report focuses on three main challenges that e-commerce companies need to take heed of and that are likely to define the future of the industry in the years to come.

1. Market and workforce - The impact of the recession on the e-commerce industry.
2. Planet and supply chain - The impact of climate targets and the sustainability imperative on operations.
3. Technologies and innovations - The rise of artificial intelligence and tech innovations in the retail space and their role in e-commerce.