We already know that online shopping is pretty popular among consumers, but a new global study finds where exactly consumers from the US, UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands like to shop. Netherlands-based ChannelEngine’s latest Marketplace Shopping Behavior Report 2025 found that online marketplaces are the place to be for most shoppers.

Amid the 4,500 people surveyed across countries, 63% said they preferred purchasing on marketplaces instead of brand-owned websites.

With insights from 4,500 shoppers in The USA, The UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, this report uncovers unique insights on marketplace adoption, usage, and preferences. Marketplaces are more than a sales channel— they’re where shopping begins. In our Marketplace Shopping Behavior Report 2025, we reveal how online marketplaces are now the #1 starting point for online consumers’ shopping journeys. 

Amazon says the power of AI is leading to significant shifts in its business. The tech giant uses AI in everything from customer assistance and summarizing customer reviews to fit recommendations and rewriting product titles on the fly. Doug Herrington, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Stores, said AI is among the biggest technological revolutions.

“AI is becoming transformative for our business, and we really haven’t had a technology revolution as large as this since the start of the internet,” Herrington said during his keynote session at NRF on Sunday. “We had some big ones roll through. I think the shift to mobile was very large, the rise of the social platforms was quite large, but nothing as large or as extensible as this.”

Subscription models have become a cornerstone for businesses across industries, from media to retailers and other brands, promising a steady revenue stream and deeper customer loyalty. In the media sector, publishers are implementing and building subscription models in a severely disrupted market with shifting advertising dollars and consumer expectations. 

What lessons can others take from trends driving their subscription plans in 2025?

Technology will continue to revolutionize retail in 2025. From cashier-less stores to AI-driven inventory management, tech innovations will streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. With evolving consumer expectations, technology advancements, and a growing focus on experience, the landscape is rapidly changing. From AI-driven personalization to sustainable practices, retailers face new challenges and opportunities to stay ahead.

This playbook explores why retailers should consider BNPL as an alternative payment method. The rise of buy now pay later (BNPL) services is disrupting traditional consumer credit markets, particularly the use of credit cards. These alternative payment methods offer consumers flexible payment options, like pay later, pay in parts, or financing, with little to no interest if the payments are made on time. 

Whether you’re exploring composable or scaling its potential, this report offers actionable data and expert advice to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Is 2025 going to be the year of your digital transformation ?

The age of AI is here —so what implications does this have for loyalty programs? Explore how AI can transform loyalty strategies to personalize experiences and foster genuine customer loyalty. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable insights into customer behavior trends and identify key success factors in loyalty programs, all backed by research from over 230 million loyalty member actions, and 10,000 consumers (loyalty program end users) worldwide.