Top Gen Z Shopping Trends Shaping eCommerce in 2025

Gen Z was born into a time of environmental crises, global health emergencies, and widespread economic uncertainty. Unlike previous generations, who adapted to technology, Generation Z is a digital native—the first generation to grow up with the internet as a major part of their lives. The blend of global challenges and digital fluency has significantly influenced their worldview and spending habits. Harmony Healthcare IT reports that Gen Z uses their smartphones for an average of 6 hours and 27 minutes.  

According to a recent report from Bank of America (BofA), Gen Z is expected to become the largest and the richest generation. In the next five years, Generation Z will have acquired $36 trillion in global income, which is predicted to rise to $74 trillion by 2024, positioning them as a major economic force.

For eCommerce retailers to thrive, understanding and adapting to Gen Z’s expectations is not optional; it’s essential. This article breaks down the understanding Gen Z, their influence on eCommerce, key characteristics, spending trends, challenges, and how e-commerce retailers can successfully adapt to meet their expectations.

eCommerce depends significantly on Gen Z due to their heavy reliance on online platforms for shopping needs. They find more comfort in shopping via online channels and mobile shopping. Gen Z's buying power and trendsetting abilities have a greater influence on e-commerce. They expect brands to provide personalized, rapid, and sustainable services. They prefer brands that prioritize transparency in business.

A study conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence on U.S. consumers found a growing interest in AI-enabled shopping and banking services, particularly among Gen Z. Approximately 60% of Gen Zers, out of 40% of consumers overall, found AI-enabled shopping attractive. 

Gen Z's shopping trends are quite peculiar, and understanding their shopping characteristics enables businesses to implement strategies that resonate well with them.
Here are some:

1. Digital Natives

The digital world is not unfamiliar to Gen Z. Over 32% of this generation shops online every day, deeply integrating their purchasing habits through the internet. From product discovery and research to the ultimate purchase, they rely on smartphones for everything.

Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are no longer limited to making social connections. They have grown into important commercial channels. With features like shoppable posts, influencer-driven content, and in-app purchasing options, these platforms have become critical stages of the shopping journey.

To reach Gen Z, your brand must engage them where they are most: on their screens, in real time, with authentic, interactive, and actionable content. 

2. Ethical Shoppers

Gen Z loves to go with the brands that resonate with their values, especially those that show social and environmental responsibility. They demand transparency in supply chains and anticipate that brands possess credible sustainability certifications. Moreover, they are drawn to initiatives such as carbon-neutral shipping and sourcing.  

If brands don't meet these expectations, they're more likely to be rejected by this influential, socially conscious demographic.

3. Personalization Focused

Gen Z is more into hyper-personalization. Brands that utilize AI-driven algorithms to recommend more personalized products, suggest relevant add-ons, and offer customized discounts are more appealing to Gen Z. These personalized suggestions enhance the overall user experience as well as foster stronger customer loyalty and contribute to long-term brand engagement.

4. Instant Gratification

Since overnight delivery and real-time updates have become ordinary, Gen Z expects instant satisfaction from every interaction. This can be in the form of fast delivery, customer support through AI chatbots, instant responses via social media, or same-day delivery directly from store shelves. This generation expects speed, efficiency, and convenience at every point.   

Here are the Top Gen Z shopping habits every business should know: 

1. Super Fast Shipping

Gen Z expects their products to be delivered as early as possible. Online retailers seeking to gain a competitive advantage must meet this expectation. According to a study conducted by Uber Direct, approximately 96% of 18- to 26-year-olds consider same-day delivery essential. They are even willing to pay extra for expedited shipping. Amazon Prime sets a high standard by providing its customers with a same-day or one-day shipping experience.

There are two primary strategies for achieving rapid delivery:     

• First strategy: Partner with those couriers who offer expedited delivery services.
• Second strategy: Consider maintaining deliveries internally to maintain control over the delivery speed.

The first option is the most popular because retailers do not have to worry about the delivery process, as all logistics are outsourced. However, the drawback lies in the limited control it gives you, such as managing the customer’s package handling.

The second choice is less common, but you have complete control over the delivery process. This includes the loading of your vehicles, the precautions taken during package transportation, the interactions between delivery drivers and customers, and, most importantly, the swift delivery. 

You can choose between in-house and outsourced deliveries depending on your business's strategy, product characteristics, shipping quantities, available resources, and logistical expertise.

For instance, having in-house delivery would be incredibly helpful if you're running a boutique bakery that specializes in custom wedding cakes. These delicate and precious goods require precise temperature control, handling, and timing to arrive in pristine condition.  To maintain your reputation for excellence, personal oversight is essential.

2. Free Shipping

Gen Z shoppers expect free shipping as an essential service rather than an added benefit. While free delivery attracts customers, businesses must weigh the financial implications of providing this incentive.

To sustain profit margins, shipping charges must be carefully managed. Companies can implement various delivery strategies that meet customer demands while maintaining financial stability.

Another factor to consider is how to manage return expenses in a free shipping strategy. Establishing explicit return policies, including who is responsible for covering shipping expenses, can help reduce possible losses while setting acceptable expectations.

Some retailers prefer to remove return shipping costs from their refunds, while others do not. Choose the option that works well with your circumstances. 

3. Hyper Personalization

The Gen Z shopping trend highlights a growing desire for personalized services. Studies show that 75% of Gen Z enjoys buying products they can customize. If a website fails to anticipate their needs or preferences, nearly 45% of Gen Z are more likely to leave it.

To meet the Generation Z need for personalization, e-commerce businesses should employ AI and data analytics on their websites intensively. These tools can provide insightful information about customized individual shopping habits and behaviors.

By utilizing the customer data in the right way, retailers can anticipate the needs before they are expressed. Its focus goes beyond just analyzing past purchases and includes predicting future desires.

With these insights, brands can deliver highly personalized experiences. This includes curated product recommendations, exclusive offers, and packaging that appears tailor-made.  

Moreover, location-based data adds another layer of relevance. By promoting products that are suitable for current weather conditions or aligning with local trends, geolocation allows brands to engage with customers in a more meaningful and timely manner.

4. Seamless Omnichannel Experience

Gen Z shoppers love to enjoy freedom while connecting with brands. This can occur via social media, mobile apps, websites, and physical retail locations.

Most retailers are trying to incorporate omnichannel strategies, which can seamlessly integrate well with all these touchpoints. It also encourages customers to start their journey on one platform and end it on another. For instance, a customer might discover a product on social media, research the brand’s website, and then either pick it up in store or have it delivered to their home. This omnichannel approach guaranteed consistent messaging, pricing, and service quality across all channels and resolution in a unified brand experience. The key is maintaining data synchronization across platforms so that customer preferences and purchase history follow them whenever they engage with the brand.

Curbside pickup or click and collect made the shopping experience much more convenient by giving customers more flexibility and control. Some other bands are promoting social commerce, where users can purchase the products directly from platforms like Instagram or TikTok, turning inspiration into instant purchases.

5. Social Proof and Authenticity

It is observed that Gen Z has a higher level of trust in the opinions of their friends, acquaintances, and the bloggers they follow than in any brand messaging. They are more interested in honest opinions, user-generated content, and authentic reviews. The worst thing a brand can do is to purchase fake reviews, which will quickly turn your Gen Z customers away.  

A business can most effectively attract Gen Z by prominently displaying user-generated content (UGC), as well as product reviews and ratings, on its website. By showcasing actual customers who are utilizing your products, you can foster trust and increase the sense of connection and confidence that potential customers feel in their purchasing decisions. 

6. Virtual Try-on and Augmented Reality

Virtual try-ons and augmented reality are rightfully integrated into online shopping. These futuristic concepts allow customers to address the challenge of not being able to physically interact with products while shopping online.  

For example, AR technology allows shoppers to see how makeup shades will look on their skin tone and to experiment with how different paint colors would change the appearance of their bedroom walls. This feature is more interactive, improves the shopping experience, and significantly lowers product returns, which benefits both customers and businesses.

7. Voice-Enabled Shopping

According to the Voice Commerce Global Strategic Business Report, the global market for Voice Commerce was valued at US$49.6 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach US$147.9 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.0% throughout the period.

According to EMARKETER's reports, the percentage of US Gen Z individuals using a voice assistant monthly will increase from 51% in 2023 to 64% in 2027.  Shopping by utilizing voice assistants is favored by Gen Z, as it can meet their expectations for convenient and swift digital experiences. Shopping with voice assistants is the most efficient way to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle, even when you are busy with other activities.  

Retailers should adapt their online platforms for voice-driven interactions to remain competitive. This means keeping product listings current to guarantee quick, accurate responses when consumers use voice commands, syncing with major voice assistants, and making product details easily understandable.

8. Enhanced Transparency

Gen Z customers value true brand identity and open communication. This expectation applies to all aspects of the e-commerce experience, including accurate product information and ethical corporate behavior.

Businesses should provide extensive information about their product origins, pricing structures, and ethical standards. Furthermore, providing effective customer support through timely assistance and proactive problem resolution is critical for developing strong relationships with this demographic.

Actively reacting to client feedback and connecting with customers via social media platforms are two excellent strategies to demonstrate transparency and develop trust.

9. Seamless Mobile Experience  

For Gen Z, their smartphones are not just a device; they make them more informed about the outside world. Gen Z loves to engage in mobile shopping. This preference creates a need for an ideal website that loads quickly, is visually captivating, and functions seamlessly on mobile phones. If your site is not meeting these expectations, you will lose them before they check out the product.  

To make your brand appeal to Gen Z shoppers, make sure your website has easy navigation, lightning-fast page load times, and an attractive design. When you minimize the lag, you can keep Gen Z interested and flowing naturally across your sales funnel. 

✅Overcoming Ad Fatigue

Gen Z  is resistant to traditional advertising, and what catches their interest is something that resonates well with them.  Campaigns that tell a story do better with them. Native advertising has the potential to be effective with its intended audience. It seamlessly integrates advertisements into the user's browsing experience. 

✅Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

Gen Z is well informed about data risks to privacy. To foster confidence in online shopping, it is imperative to implement consistent cybersecurity measures and prominently display trust badges. The policies that offer transparency earn confidence and ensure Gen Z that their information is safe and secure. 

In conclusion, every brand should understand that winning over Generation Z entails far more than simply knowing what they buy. It's about staying current with their beliefs, priorities, and emotions and meeting them where they spend the majority of their time: online. Businesses can easily win over this trendsetting generation by delivering what they expect quickly by employing cutting-edge technologies. Retailers who recognize these expectations and adjust their strategies can foster strong relationships with the generation that will drive commerce for decades to come.  

Are you in pursuit of an eCommerce store that appeals to Gen Z? Then WAC is the right place for you. We understand the distinct preferences and behaviors of Gen Z shoppers. This includes both their desire for seamless mobile interactions and their preference for genuine brand interactions.  

Let our dedicated team build an eCommerce store that matches the vibe of the influential generation and drives meaningful engagement. We have proven expertise in managing various eCommerce platforms, including Magento, WooCommerce, Salesforce, and Shopify, to make your business an ultimate success.  So, are you ready to connect with Gen Z customers? Contact us today!