E-Commerce Trends to Watch in 2015

ROI: Where do you see mobile headed in 2015?
DL: Mobile commerce is on the rise and is expected to hit $204 billion globally by the end of this year. PayPal itself processed more than 1 billion mobile transactions in 2014. Consumers are spending more and more time on their mobile devices and increasingly expect to be able to move seamlessly between all elements of their purchasing journey — no matter where they are physically or what device they're using.
As consumers shift to mobile, savvy retailers are using mobile solutions to target customers, personalize the shopping experience and solve in-store pain points. Early-adopting small businesses have begun experimenting with a variety of mobile tools as they look to drive new sales, develop stronger customer relationships and simplify their operations. Broadly available tools like mobile offers and mobile-based card terminals sit alongside industry-specific solutions that have also been piloted — e.g., the ability to order ahead and skip the line.

ROI: What are some tips for retailers as they finalize their 2015 digital marketing strategies?
DL: Retailers that take advantage of emerging e-commerce trends can get a leg up on their competitors by expanding their markets locally by selling online, in person or on mobile, and globally through evolving technologies. Technology and credit innovation, in particular, is a burgeoning category, as uniquely valuable credit for e-commerce businesses and consumers has become available over the last several years.
Many online retailers are already increasing conversion rates and ticket sizes by enabling "in checkout" credit products. These types of products allow consumers to immediately access a line of credit, subject to credit approval, at online retailers that accept PayPal, without the seller having to take on any risk. On the business side, online retailers that are unable to get loans from traditional lenders may find success with loans like PayPal Working Capital, which uses PayPal sales volume to underwrite the loans. Businesses are using these funds to increase inventory, hire seasonal workers and launch marketing campaigns.