E-commerce is constantly growing and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, e-commerce sales are expected to grow by 8.8%, reaching a total of $6.3 trillion globally, according to eMarketer. By 2027, the market is projected to exceed $7.9 trillion. This rapid growth highlights the potential within certain industries that are set to thrive in the coming years.
Niche markets are a key part of this growth. These are specialized segments where businesses focus on specific customer groups. Although niche stores may have fewer customers than giants like Walmart and Amazon, their focused approach allows for more accurate sales strategies. This leads to better customer retention and e-commerce growth.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 e-commerce industries expected to see significant growth, shaping the future of online shopping and offering exciting opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
- Food – annual growth rate by 2028 6.58%
- Fashion – annual growth rate by 2029 8.94%
- DIY and Hardware – annual growth rate by 2029 7.87%
- Electronics – annual growth rate by 2029 8.92%
- Media – annual growth rate by 2029 7.78%
- E-learning – annual growth rate by 2029 8.56%
- Furniture – annual growth rate by 2029 3.79%
Key Takeaways
- E-commerce Expansion: Sales are expected to reach $6.3 trillion in 2024.
- Niche Markets: Specialized segments are driving growth.
- Food Industry: Constant demand and convenience boost growth.
- Fashion Industry: Mobile commerce and fast fashion fuel expansion.
- DIY and Hardware: Home improvement trends and DIY projects increase demand.
Top 7 Trending eCommerce Industries With Potential Growth
In compiling this list, we’ve included the top e-commerce industries in 2024 based on their annual revenue according to Statista, while also considering their annual growth rates up to 2029. These factors ensure our selections are both current and promising for the year ahead.
1. Food Industry
- Revenue in 2024: US$9.13tn
- Annual Growth Rate 2024-2028: 6.58%
Industry Includes Any retailers supplying fresh produce, dairy products, meat, pantry staples, meal kits, prepared meals, gourmet foods, organic and specialty foods, as well as beverages like soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages.
Top Sellers: Walmart, Amazon, Hellofresh, Kroger, Safeway
The food industry in e-commerce is set for continuous growth. Unlike many other products, food has a constant demand, driven by the basic need for sustenance. According to recent statistics, volume is expected to amount to 3,011.00bn kg by 2028. The Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.9% in 2025.
Several factors contribute to the ongoing growth of the food industry in e-commerce. The convenience of online grocery shopping allows consumers to easily order their daily essentials without leaving their homes. This convenience is particularly appealing in today’s fast-paced world, where time-saving solutions are highly valued.
Moreover, more food is being traded across borders than ever before, as businesses look to grow revenue in foreign markets. Globalizing food supply chains increases food safety and quality risks, making traceability and control over supply chains more challenging.
Economic development and population growth are driving increases in overall food consumption, while a growing middle class demands better quality and more variety. Greater purchasing power has led to a significant increase in the consumption of resource-intensive protein products, impacting the environment and agriculture.
From personalized recommendations to efficient delivery systems, the food industry in e-commerce is constantly evolving to meet consumer demands.
Food Delivery
For decades, food ordering and delivery has been a popular service among consumers. Initially, the restaurants took orders on call, and now we have internet marketplaces with instant delivery operations.
Food delivery giants like Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Zomato with their established networks have dominated the online space for years. The utter convenience of ordering your favorite food online and receiving it within minutes has changed the industry dynamics completely.
Projected to reach an astonishing $200 billion in revenue by 2025, the online food delivery market still has many surprises in store. Since the industry is rapidly scaling, it would be naive to not count food delivery in the top 5 e-commerce industries.
In a recent move, Uber Eats is all set to acquire Postmates – another popular food delivery marketplace for a massive amount. As big players move to expansion, starting a food delivery marketplace is a robust business idea with immediate returns.
Grocery
eMarketer reports that grocery offline sales are significantly larger than those of any other major e-commerce category. Although most grocery purchases will still happen in physical stores, the consistent rise in online sales is set to inject billions of dollars into the e-commerce market in the coming years. This growth has been primarily driven by essential items such as food, beverages, personal care products, and household supplies. This trend is expected to make the grocery category the leader among the four major e-commerce categories by 2026.
According to Brick Meets Click’s U.S. grocery Sales Forecast, grocery e-commerce sales are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over the next five years. This is more than three times the 1.3% growth rate forecasted for in-store grocery sales. This impressive growth underscores the increasing consumer shift towards the convenience of online grocery shopping.
2. Fashion Industry
- Revenue in 2024: US$770.90bn
- Annual Growth Rate 2024-2029: 8.94%
Industry Includes Any retailers supplying clothing, footwear, accessories, jewelry, bags, and fashion items for men, women, and children. This also includes retailers offering sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, luxury fashion, and fast fashion products.
Top Sellers: VIP Shop(China), Zalando(Germany), Hut Group(UK), Revolve(US), About You(Germany)
The fashion industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in e-commerce, experiencing significant expansion driven by several key factors. According to Statista, the e-commerce fashion market has seen rapid growth in recent years, propelled by the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, rising consumer expectations for fast and reliable delivery, and the growing importance of sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry.
One of the major contributors to this growth is the emergence of fast fashion, which offers trendy and inexpensive clothing. Fast fashion brands have revolutionized the supply chain, implementing innovations that allow them to quickly produce and distribute the latest styles. This rapid turnaround keeps consumers engaged and coming back for more, driving continuous sales.
Mobile commerce has also played a crucial role in the growth of the fashion industry. With more consumers using their smartphones and tablets to shop online, fashion retailers have optimized their websites and apps to provide seamless shopping experiences.
According to Statista, the fashion e-commerce market is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 8.94%, resulting in a projected market volume of $1,183.00 billion by 2029. This impressive growth underscores the dynamic nature of the fashion industry within e-commerce and highlights the opportunities for businesses to capitalize on this expanding market.
3. DIY and Hardware Industry
- Revenue in 2024: US$493.80bn
- Annual Growth Rate 2024-2029: 7.87%
Industry Includes Any retailers supplying tools, building materials, paint, home improvement products, gardening supplies, and hardware. This also includes retailers offering DIY project kits, construction equipment, and outdoor furniture.
Top Sellers: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Grainger, Menards, Harbor Freight
The DIY and hardware industry is growing quickly. This growth is fueled by a recovering construction sector, more investment in home renovation, active participation by millennials, and a lot of online resources. These factors create a dynamic and fast-expanding market, making the DIY and hardware sector very interesting for businesses and consumers.
As the construction sector recovers and more money goes into home improvement, more people are taking on DIY projects to make their living spaces unique and better. This trend is driven by economic factors and a growing interest in home design and functionality.
Millennials play a big role in this growth. This tech-savvy generation loves the satisfaction of completing DIY projects and often turns to YouTube for tutorials. Their enthusiasm for DIY projects is turning them into a significant consumer group, driving sales of tools, materials, and other hardware supplies.
Moreover, the accessibility of online resources and the convenience of e-commerce have made it easier than ever for consumers to embark on DIY projects. With countless tutorials and project ideas available at their fingertips, individuals are more empowered to take on tasks themselves rather than hiring professionals.
Statistics support this growth trajectory. The DIY and hardware industry is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 7.87%, reaching a market volume of $721.20 billion by 2029. The number of users in this market is also projected to grow, with an estimated 683 million users by 2029.
4. Electronics Industry
- Revenue in 2024: US$464.60bn
- Annual growth rate 2024-2029: 8.92%
Industry Includes any retailers supplying electronic goods including personal computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming devices, smart home products, home entertainment systems, home monitoring and alarm systems, and wearable technology.
Top Sellers: JD, Amazon, Apple, Ehaier, Walmart
According to Statista, the electronics industry ranks fourth among the fastest-growing e-commerce sectors. This growth is driven by technological innovation and changing consumer preferences. As a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches become increasingly essential in our daily lives, the demand for electronics continues to rise.
Revenue in the electronics e-commerce market is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 8.92%, resulting in a projected market volume of $712.30 billion by 2029. According to Yahoo Finance, The North American market is dominating the global landscape, with the United States leading the region.
The fast-paced American lifestyle is contributing to this growth, with consumers favoring a digital existence. Also, the demand for audio and video equipment is being fueled by smart home devices like Google Home, Siri, and Alexa. In Europe, Germany and the United Kingdom are emerging as key markets with significant growth opportunities.
Specifically, consumer electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, and tablets are in the top three positions for sales in this category. The electronics industry’s rapid growth is fueled by the increasing necessity of various digital devices in everyday life, technological advancements, and strong market performance.
Companies in the consumer electronics industry are actively investing in research and development and forming collaborations to drive innovation and meet evolving consumer needs.
5. Media Industry
- Revenue in 2024: US$0.44tn
- Annual growth rate 2024-2029: 7.78%
Industry Includes Any retailers supplying digital and physical media products, including streaming services for music, movies, TV shows, e-books, audiobooks, video games, and software, subscriptions for online news, magazines, and other digital content platforms.
Top Sellers: Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Comcast, AT&T
The media industry’s rapid growth is fueled by the rising demand for digital content, including streaming services, e-books, audiobooks, and online news subscriptions. People are consuming more media content than ever before, and the ability to tailor this content to individual preferences has revolutionized the industry.
Services like Netflix, Spotify, and Audible are leading the way by offering personalized recommendations that keep users engaged and coming back for more. Global media companies are increasingly leveraging data analytics and AI technology to personalize content for diverse audiences, enhancing user engagement worldwide.
According to Statista, the media industry ranks fifth among the fastest-growing industries in e-commerce. Within the media market, 49.61% of total revenues are projected to be generated through digital media by 2029. Revenue in the global media market is forecasted to reach $1,600.00 billion in 2024.
This growth is driven by the rising demand for digital content such as streaming services, e-books, audiobooks, and online news subscriptions. The ability to tailor content to individual preferences has significantly boosted user engagement, making digital media a key player in the e-commerce landscape. As technology continues to evolve, the media industry is set to keep expanding, opening up new opportunities for innovation and deeper consumer interaction.
6. Furniture Industry
- Revenue in 2024: US$765.00bn
- Annual growth rate 2024-2029: 3.79%
Industry Includes Any retailers supplying furniture items such as sofas, beds, dining tables, chairs, and storage solutions. This also includes retailers offering outdoor furniture, office furniture, home decor, and custom-made or luxury furniture pieces.
Top Sellers: Ashley, HNI, Ikea, Steelcase, Williams-Sonoma
The Furniture Industry is also experiencing significant growth and ranks 6th on Statista’s list of fastest-growing e-commerce industries. The wood segment holds a significant market share due to the cost-effectiveness of wooden items compared to other materials.
The metal segment is expected to grow considerably because of the higher durability and robustness of metal products. Meanwhile, the plastic segment is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of colorful and versatile plastic chairs and tables worldwide.
Companies in the furniture industry focus on regularly introducing luxurious fixture items to attract customers, boosting their revenue from such products. Among the various segments, Living Room Furniture is the largest, with an estimated market volume of $223.60 billion in 2024.
On a global scale, the United States leads in revenue, projected to reach $263 billion in 2024, according to Statista. This growth highlights the dynamic nature of the furniture industry in e-commerce, driven by diverse materials and innovative product offerings that cater to varying consumer preferences.
7. E-Learning Industry
- Revenue in 2024: US$185.20bn
- Annual growth rate 2024-2029: 8.56%
Sector Includes Any retailers supplying online courses, learning management systems (LMS), educational software, digital textbooks, and training programs. This also includes platforms offering professional certification programs, personal development courses, and virtual tutoring services.
Top Sellers: Udemy, Coursera, edX, UWorld, Acadecraft
The e-learning industry is growing rapidly and is popular worldwide. E-learning is used in many areas, from education and corporate training to personal development. This shows that e-learning has become a common way for people and organizations to learn and improve their skills.
According to eLearning Industry, several factors drive the growth of the e-learning market. First, accessibility allows learners to access educational content from anywhere. Second, flexibility makes it appealing to students and professionals who can fit their studies and training around their schedules. E-learning is also cost-effective, saving money on travel and materials.
Personalization is another key factor, as e-learning uses data and AI to tailor content to each learner’s needs. The increasing demand for digital skills, remote work, and online degree programs further fuels this growth. Additionally, e-learning is expanding in healthcare and medical training, where ongoing education and certification are crucial.
By 2026, the global e-learning market is forecast to reach almost 400 billion U.S. dollars, up from nearly 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. The learning management system (LMS) market alone generated about 18 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. This growth highlights the vast potential and ongoing expansion of the e-learning industry.
Conclusion
The top e-commerce industries are all showing significant growth driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. By staying attuned to market trends and investing in innovation, you can successfully navigate the dynamic e-commerce landscape and build a thriving online business.
If you are an entrepreneur or an enterprise with an idea to start a niche eCommerce marketplace, then choose e-commerce platforms with ready-to-launch marketplace solutions and mobile apps. This will help you save time and cash in on the fueled online shopping activities
Frequently Asked Question
Which industry is best for e-commerce?
Determining the “best” industry for e-commerce largely depends on various factors, such as market demand, competition, and the entrepreneur’s expertise. However, some of the most promising industries, according to statistics are food, fashion, and electronics.
What is the future outlook for the e-commerce industry?
The future of the e-commerce industry looks promising. Market trends indicate continued growth, with e-commerce expected to expand into new sectors, such as healthcare, B2B commerce, and sustainable products. Advancements in technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are likely to further enhance the online shopping experience.
