The retail industry in 2025 is experiencing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and evolving economic landscapes. As e-commerce continues to rise and traditional stores face mounting pressures, the retail sector is adapting in unprecedented ways to meet the demands of a new era. From record store closures to the growing adoption of AI and live shopping, the trends shaping the industry offer both challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to stay competitive. This article dives into the top 10 retail statistics for 2025, highlighting the key developments that are redefining how people shop and how retailers operate. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or curious consumer, these insights provide a glimpse into the future of retail and its implications for businesses worldwide.
Retail Statistics 2025 (Editor's Picks)
As of January 24, 2025, the retail industry is experiencing significant shifts influenced by technological advancements, consumer behavior changes, and economic factors. Here are the top 10 retail statistics for 2025:
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Record Store Closures in the U.S.: A record 15,000 chain stores across the United States are expected to close in 2025, more than doubling the number from the previous year. This surge is largely attributed to the rapid growth of online retailers like Shein and Temu.
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E-commerce's Growing Market Share: Online shopping is projected to account for 23.1% of all retail sales in 2025, reflecting a growing consumer preference for e-commerce platforms.
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Global Retail Sales Projection: Total worldwide retail sales are estimated to reach $31.3 trillion by 2025, indicating substantial growth in the global retail sector.
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Rise in Retail E-commerce Sales: Worldwide retail e-commerce sales are projected to hit approximately $7.4 trillion by 2025, underscoring the increasing shift towards online shopping.
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Expansion of Cashless Payments: 2025 marks an inflection point in cashless payments, with mobile and contactless payments expected to grow by 12.4% annually from 2025 to 2034.
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Growth in U.S. Retail Marketplace E-commerce: U.S. retail marketplace e-commerce sales are forecasted to increase by 10.3% in 2025, reaching $516.48 billion. Major players contributing to this growth include Temu, Amazon, and Walmart.
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Impact of Business Rates on UK Retailers: In the UK, business rates bills for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses are set to more than double from April 2025 due to a reduction in business rates relief from 75% to 40%. This change is expected to exert significant financial pressure on many businesses.
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Adoption of AI in Retail: 2025 is anticipated to be the year of the AI agent, with digitally influenced sales exceeding 60%. AI agents are expected to personalize recommendations, streamline decision-making, and manage auto-replenishment tasks, transforming the shopping experience.
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Live Shopping Gains Traction: Live shopping, which blends entertainment with retail, is projected to gain significant momentum in 2025. This approach allows retailers and brands to connect with customers on a more personal level, fostering a sense of immediacy and exclusivity.
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Emphasis on Physical Store Experiences: Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail stores are expected to continue their resurgence in 2025. These stores are focusing on offering immersive experiences that cannot be replicated online, thereby enhancing brand identity and customer loyalty.
These statistics highlight the dynamic nature of the retail industry in 2025, driven by technological innovations, evolving consumer preferences, and economic challenges.

Retail Statistics 2025 and Future Implications
Retail Statistics 2025 #1. Record Store Closures in the U.S.
In 2025, a record 15,000 chain stores across the U.S. are projected to close, driven by the rise of online retailers like Shein and Temu. This trend reflects a continued shift in consumer behavior toward e-commerce, reducing foot traffic in physical stores. For traditional retailers, this poses significant challenges to adapt their strategies, such as investing in omnichannel solutions or creating unique in-store experiences to attract customers. The closures also signal opportunities for online-first brands to expand their footprint and for landlords to repurpose empty retail spaces into mixed-use developments. Ultimately, the retail landscape is being redefined, with fewer but more innovative physical stores.
Retail Statistics 2025 #2. E-commerce's Growing Market Share
E-commerce is expected to account for 23.1% of all retail sales in 2025, further solidifying its role as a dominant force in the industry. This growth highlights the importance of digital platforms, requiring retailers to optimize their online presence with user-friendly websites, fast shipping, and effective digital marketing. The shift also pressures smaller retailers to adopt e-commerce strategies to stay competitive. With increased reliance on online shopping, the demand for seamless mobile shopping experiences, personalized recommendations, and advanced logistics systems will grow. Retailers that fail to prioritize e-commerce risk losing market share to tech-savvy competitors.
Retail Statistics 2025 #3. Global Retail Sales Projection
Global retail sales are projected to reach $31.3 trillion in 2025, underscoring the resilience and growth of the sector. This massive figure points to expanding consumer spending, particularly in emerging markets where rising incomes fuel retail demand. However, global economic challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions could impact this growth. Retailers will need to focus on affordability and innovation, offering value-driven products while addressing environmental concerns. This growth also emphasizes the need for brands to diversify their markets and invest in localizing their offerings to succeed globally.
Retail Statistics 2025 #4. Rise in Retail E-commerce Sales
Retail e-commerce sales worldwide are forecasted to hit $7.4 trillion in 2025, marking a significant milestone for digital commerce. This highlights the growing reliance on digital platforms for everyday purchases, from groceries to luxury goods. The growth of e-commerce will likely drive investments in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized shopping experiences and automation for supply chain efficiency. Retailers that embrace new payment methods, such as cryptocurrency and mobile wallets, may attract tech-savvy customers. As e-commerce expands, the competition will intensify, pushing retailers to innovate and differentiate their offerings.
Retail Statistics 2025 #5. Expansion of Cashless Payments
Mobile and contactless payments are expected to grow by 12.4% annually from 2025 to 2034, reshaping how consumers interact with retailers. The convenience of cashless payments will accelerate adoption, reducing the need for physical cash transactions and speeding up checkout processes. Retailers will need to invest in point-of-sale (POS) systems that accommodate multiple payment options, including digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, this shift also raises concerns about cybersecurity and data privacy, pushing retailers to strengthen their defenses against fraud. The widespread adoption of cashless payments is paving the way for a fully digital retail economy.

Retail Statistics 2025 #6. Growth in U.S. Retail Marketplace E-commerce
U.S. retail marketplace e-commerce sales are projected to grow by 10.3% in 2025, reaching $516.48 billion. Platforms like Temu, Amazon, and Walmart Marketplace are driving this growth by offering vast product selections, competitive pricing, and convenience. This increase underscores the importance of third-party marketplaces for small and medium-sized businesses seeking to expand their reach. However, it also amplifies competition, requiring brands to optimize their marketplace strategies with competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and differentiated products. As marketplaces grow, they will play an even larger role in shaping consumer buying habits and preferences.
Retail Statistics 2025 #7. Impact of Business Rates on UK Retailers
The reduction of business rates relief in the UK from 75% to 40% in April 2025 is expected to more than double the financial burden on retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses. This change will likely force smaller businesses and high-street retailers to either adapt by cutting costs or face closures. It could also discourage new businesses from entering the market due to the increased operational costs. In response, retailers may seek to innovate through efficiency and rely more on e-commerce to offset expenses. This policy shift could reshape the UK retail landscape, concentrating power among larger, well-capitalized firms.
Retail Statistics 2025 #8. Adoption of AI in Retail
AI's role in retail is set to grow significantly, with digitally influenced sales projected to exceed 60% in 2025. AI tools are transforming the shopping experience through personalized recommendations, predictive analytics, and automated customer service agents. This shift will enable retailers to better understand consumer behavior and tailor their offerings to individual preferences. However, retailers must navigate ethical concerns around data privacy and transparency to maintain consumer trust. As AI adoption accelerates, businesses that leverage its capabilities effectively will gain a competitive edge, while those that lag may struggle to keep up.
Retail Statistics 2025 #9. Live Shopping Gains Traction
Live shopping, a combination of entertainment and retail, is gaining significant traction in 2025 as a powerful tool for engaging consumers. Retailers and influencers are increasingly hosting live shopping events to showcase products, answer questions, and drive immediate purchases. This trend enables brands to foster stronger connections with consumers by providing a personalized and interactive experience. As live shopping grows, businesses will need to invest in technology platforms and influencer partnerships to leverage its full potential. This format is expected to become a mainstream sales channel, particularly among younger, tech-savvy consumers.
Retail Statistics 2025 #10. Emphasis on Physical Store Experiences
Despite the growth of e-commerce, physical stores are resurging in 2025 by offering immersive and experiential shopping opportunities. Retailers are transforming their stores into destinations that blend shopping with entertainment, technology, and personalization. These experiences are critical for building brand loyalty and attracting foot traffic in an increasingly digital world. However, retailers will need to invest in integrating digital elements, such as AR and VR, to create seamless omnichannel experiences. The future of retail lies in the synergy between online convenience and offline engagement, redefining the purpose of brick-and-mortar stores.

Conclusion
The retail landscape in 2025 is a dynamic and rapidly evolving ecosystem, shaped by the growing influence of technology, shifting consumer preferences, and the challenges of a competitive global economy. From the dominance of e-commerce to the resurgence of immersive physical stores, the industry is redefining how businesses connect with their customers. Retailers that embrace innovation—be it through AI, live shopping, or cashless payment systems—will not only survive but thrive in this ever-changing environment. However, those that resist change risk falling behind in a marketplace where agility and creativity are paramount. As we move forward, the successful retailers of tomorrow will be those that blend the best of technology with authentic, personalized experiences that resonate with the modern shopper.
Sources:
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https://www.webfx.com/industries/retail-ecommerce/retail/statistics/
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https://nrf.com/blog/25-predictions-for-the-retail-industry-in-2025
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https://www.emarketer.com/content/4-more-retail-predictions-2025
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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/business-rates-bills-to-more-than-double-from-april-wpr590n70
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https://nrf.com/blog/25-predictions-for-the-retail-industry-in-2025