Mobile Menu

Business Environment Profiles - United States

E-commerce sales

Published: 15 May 2025

Key Metrics

E-commerce sales

Total (2025)

1008 $ billion

Annualized Growth 2020-25

5.5 %

Definition of E-commerce sales

This driver measures the value of retail sales conducted online in the United States. Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau and is presented in 2017 dollars.

Analyze the wider world in which businesses operate

We measure the upstream and downstream ramifications on thousands of industries so businesses can monitor their external operating environment. Explore membership options today.

Purchase options

Included in an IBISWorld Membership

Our industry reports include 35+ pages of data, analysis and charts, including:

  • Industry Financial Ratios
    Industry Financial Ratios
  • Historical and Forecast Growth
    Historical and Forecast Growth
  • Industry Market Size
    Industry Market Size
  • Industry Major Players
    Industry Major Players
  • Profitability Analysis
    Profitability Analysis
  • SWOT Analysis
    SWOT Analysis
  • Industry Trends
    Industry Trends
  • Industry Operating Conditions
    Industry Operating Conditions

Recent Trends – E-commerce sales

Over the past five years, e-commerce in the US has experienced a dramatic transformation, shaped by shifting consumer preferences and external events. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment, pushing many consumers and businesses to embrace online shopping at an unprecedented rate. As people sought safer and more convenient ways to shop, e-commerce quickly became a necessity rather than a luxury, fundamentally altering the retail landscape.

Following the initial surge, e-commerce continued to grow, albeit at a steadier pace. Consumers became more comfortable with digital transactions, and businesses responded by enhancing their online offerings. Innovations such as faster delivery, improved website experiences and flexible payment options became standard. This period also saw the rise of new shopping habits, including increased use of mobile devices and greater reliance on digital marketplaces for everyday purchases.

In recent years, e-commerce has solidified its role as a core component of retail. The industry's evolution has been driven by advances in technology, the integration of social media with shopping experiences, and a growing trust in online platforms. E-commerce is no longer viewed as a separate channel but as an essential part of how people shop, reflecting a permanent shift in both consumer expectations and business strategies.

Show more

5-Year Outlook – E-commerce sales

The outlook for e-commerce remains positive, with continued growth driven by advances in logistic...

Looking for IBISWorld Industry Reports?

Gain strategic insight and analysis on thousands of industries.

Trusted by More Than 10,000 Clients Around the World

  • IBISWorld client - VISA
  • IBISWorld client - ADP
  • IBISWorld client - Deloitte
  • IBISWorld client - AMEX
  • IBISWorld client - Bank of Montreal