eCommerce News: The latest retail developments to catch our eye!

The world of eCommerce never stands still. Just when you think you’ve caught up with the latest trends, an innovation, strategy or tech breakthrough shakes things up again. That’s what makes it such an exciting industry to be part of!

At Cranberry Panda, we live and breathe eCommerce - not just from an eCommerce recruitment perspective, but because we’re genuinely passionate about the brands, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of online retail. In this roundup, we’re sharing the latest retail developments that have caught our eye. What’s making waves right now?

UK eCommerce sales -  a record-breaking high!

Despite a challenging retail landscape, UK online sales reached a record-breaking £127bn in 2024, marking a 3.4% increase from 2023 and the highest figure outside the pandemic boom. This growth signals a recovery after the 9.8% drop in 2022, reflecting a steady shift in consumer habits.

Online shopping now accounts for 30% of total UK retail sales, up from 21.6% in 2019, with food (£19.45bn) and fashion (£16.52bn) leading the way. This ongoing expansion highlights the importance of strong digital strategies and expert eCommerce talent to keep brands ahead in an increasingly online-first market.

January figures increase...but so do deferred payments!

According to the Retail Gazette, UK online spending reached £8.4bn in January, marking a 2.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This follows a robust 20% year-on-year growth in December, driven by Cyber Monday sales and extended holiday discounts. 

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes played a crucial role, with £1.26bn spent using BNPL services, reflecting a 3.3% increase from 2024. Meanwhile, health and wellness purchases soared, with spending on exercise equipment rising by 60% and vitamins by 26% month-on-month.

Retailers continued significant discounting on apparel, furniture and sporting goods to sustain post-holiday momentum, indicating a shift in consumer priorities as 2025 continues.

Lidl says hello to TikTok Shop 

Lidl is making waves in social commerce, becoming the first UK supermarket to launch on TikTok Shop. From 20th February 2025, the retailer will sell 3,000 exclusive high-protein bundles for just £5, despite being worth £30, with all proceeds going to the NSPCC.

With TikTok’s shopping audience growing rapidly, Lidl’s move highlights the increasing influence of social commerce, proving that brands must stay ahead by meeting customers where they shop online.

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