New and Emerging E-Commerce Models (as of 2025)

E-commerce is rapidly evolving in 2025, driven by advances in AI, mobile tech, consumer behavior, and cross-border trends. Here are some of the most prominent new e-commerce models:

1. AI-Driven Personalized Commerce

Using artificial intelligence to analyze user behavior, preferences, and purchase history to deliver hyper-personalized recommendations and marketing.

• Use cases: Personalized homepage, smart chatbots, virtual try-ons, automated product descriptions.

• Platforms: Taobao, JD.com, Amazon, Shein.

2. Live Commerce & Interactive Video Shopping

Consumers shop while watching live streams or short videos, interacting in real time with hosts and brands.

• Trends: AI virtual hosts, AR try-ons, real-time chat.

• Platforms: Douyin (TikTok China), Kuaishou, Taobao Live, TikTok Shop.

• Benefits: High engagement, strong conversion, influencer-driven trust.

 3. Social Commerce & Group Buying

Selling through social networks like WeChat, Xiaohongshu (RED), or WhatsApp, leveraging peer influence and community trust.

• Features: Viral sharing, trust-based buying, user-as-seller.

• Examples: Pinduoduo (group-buying), RED (lifestyle-based “seeding”), WeChat private groups.

4. Cross-Border ‘Glocal’ E-Commerce

Brands go global while adapting to local language, payments, logistics, and customer service.

• Platforms: Shein, Temu, AliExpress, Shopify sellers.

• Model: Global supply chain + local operations.

5. AIGC Commerce (AI-Generated Content)

AI tools generate product images, descriptions, model photos, and marketing assets, significantly lowering content production costs.

• Tools: ChatGPT, Midjourney, Runway, HeyGen, etc.

• Uses: Auto-generated listings, AI video ads, virtual influencers.

6. Gamified Commerce

Incorporating game elements like missions, points, raffles, or “level-ups” to boost user engagement and retention.

• Examples: Taobao Life, JD’s “Beans” program, Pinduoduo’s group games.

• Audience: Younger, mobile-first consumers.

7. Subscription-Based Commerce

Consumers subscribe to receive products or services on a regular basis, giving businesses predictable revenue and long-term relationships.

• Examples: Beauty boxes (e.g., Birchbox), coffee or pet supply subscriptions, fresh produce delivery.

• Trend: Personalized and customizable boxes.

8. Retail Media Networks (RMNs)

E-commerce platforms monetize traffic by selling ad placements to brands, similar to Google Ads but within retail ecosystems.

• Examples: JD Ads, Taobao Paid Ads, Walmart Connect, Amazon Ads.

• Benefits: High-margin revenue stream from targeted ads.

9. Flash Sales & Private Domain Commerce

Brands run exclusive or time-limited sales via private channels like mini-programs, WeChat groups, or private livestream rooms.

• Tools: WeChat Mini Programs, Douyin live rooms, CRM integration.

• Best for: High-repeat-purchase products and loyal customers.

10. Sustainable & Circular E-Commerce

Growing consumer focus on green shopping has led to models centered around secondhand goods, carbon-neutral shipping, and eco-packaging.

• Examples: Xianyu (Alibaba’s resale app), ThredUp, Depop, Patagonia.

• Keywords: Low-carbon, recyclable, ethical consumption.