When Did Online Shopping Become Popular?

Did you know that over $5.7 trillion were spent worldwide in online retail in 2022—nearly double the figure from just five years earlier? Online shopping has fundamentally changed the way people buy everything from groceries to luxury goods, delivering both convenience and innovation at scale. But when did this transformation really take off, and what are the key benefits driving the ongoing e-commerce surge?

The Rise of Online Shopping: Key Milestones

Online shopping began its journey in the 1990s, but momentum picked up in the late 2000s with the launch of robust e-commerce platforms and the growth of high-speed internet. Amazon and eBay pioneered the space—Amazon launched online book sales in 1995, and eBay followed with its auction platform soon after.
Yet the true boom began around 2010, as smartphone adoption exploded. According to Pew Research, 35% of American adults owned a smartphone in 2011; that figure jumped to 85% by 2021, making mobile shopping seamless for the masses.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated this trend even further. U.S. e-commerce sales grew by 32.4% from 2019 to 2020—a leap usually seen over several years—cementing online shopping as a new normal for millions.

Benefits Driving E-Commerce Popularity

Online shopping’s popularity stems from a combination of convenience, selection, and personalized experiences. Here’s why customers—and businesses—continue to flock to e-commerce:

1. 24/7 Access – Shoppers can browse and buy products any time, removing the barriers of traditional store hours.

2. Vast Selection – Online stores offer vastly more choices than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, allowing easy comparison of prices and reviews.

3. Faster Fulfillment – With advancements in warehousing and shipping (including same-day delivery in many areas), customers receive their orders quickly and reliably.

4. Personalization – Data-driven recommendations and targeted offers create a more tailored and engaging shopping experience.

5. Lower Overheads = Competitive Prices – E-commerce retailers can operate with lower administrative and inventory costs, often passing savings onto consumers.

6. Growth for Businesses of All Sizes – Tools like online marketplaces and third-party logistics providers allow even the smallest brands to reach a global audience efficiently.

Future Trends: E-Commerce Isn’t Slowing Down

With global e-commerce expected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026, online shopping’s dominance will only increase. Shifts such as live shopping, AR/VR experiences, and direct-to-consumer brands are redefining what’s possible—both for customers and for businesses competing in this space. For more insights on scaling your operations, check out our guide on cutting fulfillment costs for small businesses.

Ready to Scale? Why ShipSquared is Your Preferred 3PL Partner

Success in e-commerce depends on more than a great website and product selection—it requires fast, reliable fulfillment and world-class customer support. That’s where a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) partner comes in.

ShipSquared offers tailored fulfillment solutions, seamless integrations, and real-time tracking to help brands of any size succeed online. Whether you’re just starting or need a scalable partner to handle growth, ShipSquared’s technology-driven approach saves time, cuts costs, and delights your customers. Learn more about our services and how to get started.

Don’t get left behind in the e-commerce revolution. Get started with ShipSquared today, and position your business for success in the digital age!