Britain’s ecommerce sector is one to watch in 2014, predicted to be bigger than ever before. 2013 was reported to have a 12% year-on-year rise demonstrating that the UK’s online retail sector is still growing despite the recession, though this is predicted to be beaten in 2014 with an array of trends that the sector are sure to be embracing.

Using our (Zebra People’s) overview of the industry, we have chosen the top three trends that we feel will affect the UK’s retail sector in 2014.

1. Making Use of Big Data. So big data is not new news, companies have been collecting data for years though they haven’t necessarily been using it to its full potential; it’s a bit like teenage sex, everybody’s talking about it but nobody’s actually doing it. In 2014 we will see many more e-retailers using this data and personalising their customer experience as well as predicting industry trends.

Retailers like Tesco and Otto have been using big data for years, innovatively increasing their bottom line by using weather records and detailed sales data to predict demand for particular products. Retail Week recently stated that Tesco’s has been saving £100m a year through a reduction in wasted stock compared to before the project started. To read more from Retail Week…

2. Multi-Channel & Omni-Channel Shopping. As Smartphones and Tablets continue to grow in popularity more people want to shop through different channels; this is almost a given rather than being a nice add on. Research conducted by SAP has illustrated that in just 5 years, almost half of purchases will involve more than one platform to convert a user from browser to purchaser. This involves both offline and online with consumers using browsing in physical shops, purchasing online and then keeping updated about delivery via SMS. This undoubtedly requires a seamless, integrated experience across all retailers platforms. To read more see eConsultancy Blog…

Argos has recently revamped 6 stores, bringing them to the forefront of the digital revolution and replacing laminated catalogues and pens with tablets and interactive screens. Even with the rapid growth of online retailing they still recognise the importance of brick and mortar stores, understanding that consumers want somewhere they can come and collect their goods rather than waiting at home for delivery. Taking this to the next level they are creating a seamless experience, introducing a fast track service promises to retrieve a product ordered online within 60 seconds of a customer walking into a store. Read more with Guardian…

3. Quality Content. 2014 is all about improving the user experience!! Online opening the industry up to an influx of competition means that consumers will not put up with lacklustre images and repetitive product descriptions but instead click straight through onto a competitors site. Therefor genuinely engaging writing and high res images/videos along with a user friendly navigational system will drive consumers to your site. Read more with ‘Bigger doesn’t mean better, better means better’…

Also check out Zebra Labs ‘Conversion Rate Optimisation for Ecommerce‘ for further information.