As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the key trends that have reshaped the logistics and retail landscapes over the past year. The industry has undergone transformative changes from the rise of digital marketplaces to sustainability initiatives. Here are some of the impactful changes that defined 2024.
2024 marked a significant shift towards a growing emphasis on managing returns and the overall lifecycle of products. Many brands began introducing returns fees, a move aimed at curbing unnecessary returns and promoting more responsible purchasing. Alongside this, more and more companies began embracing resale and recycling initiatives, reducing waste and encouraging customers to extend the lifecycle of their products. The trend towards circularity reflects the broader push for sustainability and reducing environmental and financial costs associated with ecommerce and returns.
Digital marketplaces continue to dominate the ecommerce landscape in 2024, with projections indicating they will account for 50% of all US ecommerce spending by the end of next year. As more consumers turn to online shopping, digital marketplaces provide retailers with a streamlined way to meeting wider audiences.
For many brands, these platforms are a game-changers, enabling them to scale quickly while simplifying operational requirements such as payments, inventory and shipping. In a competitive retail environment, companies that leverage these marketplaces can tap into new revenue streams and enhance their visibility to global customers.
In 2024, we saw a number of large brand names begin to implement return-to-office policies after years of flexible or remote working. The shift has impacted many areas, including home delivery trends, with fewer employees available to receive packages at home during the day. As a result, alternative delivery solutions like parcel lockers and click-and-collect services have grown in popularity.
Parcel lockers, in particular, have emerged as a convenient option for customers who prefer flexibility in collecting their packages. This trend also supports the growing need for retailers to adapt to changing consumer lifestyles, offering more convenient, location based pick-up points.
Artificial Intelligence is continuing to have an impact both on logistics and retail in 2024. From optimising delivery routes and automating warehouse operations to offering hyper-personalised experiences to customers. For Peak Season, AI supported businesses in staying ahead of demand fluctuations, while chatbots and virtual assistants streamlined customer service. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are expected to drive further efficiency and innovation in the supply chain, improving both customer satisfaction and operational performance.
Sustainability, of course, remained a priority throughout 2024, with significant growth in the number of electric vehicles across the logistics sector. The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road has grown by 4.6% since 2020 and around 30% of all new cars sold this year were electric.
The shift towards EVs is part of a broader push for retailers and logistics companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Many have already begun transitioning their delivery fleets to electric, as conscious consumers increasingly gravitate their spend and loyalty towards companies with greener delivery options. This trend is expected to accelerate further in 2025 as sustainability becomes an even greater priority.
As we look forward to 2025, these key trends are set to evolve and continue driving innovation across the logistics and retail industries. DeliveryApp remains committed to embracing these changes and leading the way in providing smarter, faster and more sustainable solutions for our customers.
Which trends stood out to you this year? What would you like to see changing next year?
