The future of shopping: 5 software trends that will redefine commerce in 2025

Today's consumers are no longer just looking for products, but for brands that share their values, respect their time, and focus on customer relations as much as transactions.

Retailers are relying on innovation to create richer, more personalized and more profitable customer experiences.

However, with this rapid evolution comes new challenges. Delivering this level of experience requires seamless, robust and continuous execution.

In this article, we explore the technologies that will transform retailing by 2025, and how automated testing and continuous software quality will enable retail players to stay one step ahead in an ever-changing landscape.

1. Generative AI for personalized experiences

Generative artificial intelligence, embodied by tools like ChatGPT or image generators, is no longer limited to answering questions. AI is becoming a powerful personalization engine.

By 2025, more and more retailers will be integrating these technologies to offer ultra-targeted shopping experiences, from dynamic product recommendations to real-time-generated product sheets, to virtual assistants capable of detecting purchasing intentions even before the customer expresses them.

By analyzing buying behavior and customer preferences, brands can offer targeted promotions and tailored shopping paths, reducing product returns and boosting loyalty.

Chatbots have been around for years, but it's only recently that generative AI has made them relevant as the main point of contact with customers.

Beyond customer-oriented uses, AI is also transforming behind-the-scenes operations. Automating inventory management, logistics and demand forecasting enables companies to better adapt to market variations.

Predictive algorithms help anticipate disruptions, optimize supply chains and reduce costs, offering a remarkable strategic advantage.

2. Omnichannel commerce driven by unified platforms

Consumers no longer distinguish between the physical store, the mobile application, the e-commerce site or the social networks of the same brand.

They see it all as a single point of sale, and expect a seamless, consistent experience across all channels.

Next-generation software solutions enable omnichannel orchestration by centralizing sales, inventory and customer journey data on a unified interface for :

• Better coordination between channels
• Fewer breaks in the customer journey,
• A seamless shopping experience, from smartphone to checkout.

At the heart of this omnichannel experience, mobile applications play a central role.

Customers demand apps that are intuitive, responsive and capable of simplifying the entire shopping experience, whether for browsing collections, making personalized recommendations or managing returns.

For this experience to be truly integrated, retailers must also invest in tools for their in-house teams, such as inventory management systems, payment terminals and connected scanners.

However, when these systems fall short, it's not just employees who suffer the consequences, but customers too.

For example, self-checkout is increasingly a source of frustration when unreliable software causes frozen screens or error messages. 

While some retailers are beginning to move away from this to invest in other digital touchpoints, this confirms that the quality of digital tools remains essential, even in physical outlets, to guarantee an omnichannel experience that lives up to modern demands.

3. Social commerce

Today, social networks are a veritable commercial showcase, especially for generations Z and Millennials. 97% of Gen Z consumers use social networks as a source of inspiration for their purchases.

Brands are integrating their shopping journeys directly into platforms like Instagram or TikTok, turning a scrolling session into a conversion opportunity.

Influencers' authenticity and proximity to their communities enable them to generate strong engagement. A recommendation from a trusted influencer often has more impact than a traditional advertising campaign.

By capitalizing on these influential voices, brands are able to create immediate, emotional connections.

4. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are redefining the codes of commerce by offering consumers a new way of discovering, testing and interacting with products.

Augmented reality allows customers to view a product from all angles without actually visiting the store: try on clothes virtually, personalize an object, or see how a sofa fits into their living room for a better understanding of the product, an enriched experience and a significant reduction in returns.

Virtual reality, meanwhile, opens the door to even more immersive experiences.

It lets you visit virtual showrooms, explore behind-the-scenes product manufacturing or take part in digital events shared with other enthusiasts.

These are all opportunities for brands to create memorable and differentiating moments in their customer journey.

5. Automated testing - the new quality standard in modern e-commerce

As user journeys become richer and more complex, the robustness of e-commerce platforms becomes a strategic imperative.

Automated testing is now essential not only to guarantee technical stability, but also to test mobile performance, compatibility with third-party tools, and the fluidity of the user experience.

Solutions like Mr Suricate already enable automatic detection of production anomalies, limiting lost revenue, improving perceived quality and protecting brand image.

Continuous testing ensures quality throughout the development cycle of e-commerce applications. By simulating real-life scenarios (traffic peaks, frictionless shopping paths, fluid AR/VR displays), retailers can guarantee an optimal experience, whatever the conditions of use.

Here's how automated testing supports technological trends in retail:

AI & machine learning: automated tests validate the relevance of recommendations, the reliability of chatbots, and the efficiency of back-end systems such as AI-optimized inventory management.

Omnichannel experience: they ensure the proper functioning of customer apps as well as internal tools (checkouts, scanners, inventory management), and test integrations between physical and digital (click & collect, self-checkout).

AR / VR: they guarantee bug-free immersive experiences, and validate critical functionalities such as virtual fittings or 3D showrooms.

Social commerce: they check shopping paths integrated with social networks, while testing the site's ability to manage inventory updates in real time.

Anti-fraud: automated tests verify payment workflows, authentication security, and compliance with PCI standards.

6. Cybersecurity designed to reinforce customer confidence

At a time when purchasing paths are becoming increasingly digital and data volumes are exploding, cybersecurity is becoming a strategic pillar for retailers.

In 2025, retail solutions will natively integrate advanced security layers such as real-time vulnerability monitoring, password-free authentication, access traceability and encryption of sensitive data.

Confidence in personal data management is a key factor in conversion. Retailers who reassure their customers about the security of their data will see their conversion rates improve.

Risk prevention covers several key areas:

Loss prevention: beyond in-store theft, this includes precise inventory management between physical and digital channels. Real-time monitoring systems can detect discrepancies or anomalies, while advanced analysis can reveal patterns of fraudulent returns or suspicious activity.

Fraud detection: specialized algorithms analyze transactions to identify abnormal behavior, such as account takeover attempts or payment fraud. These tools integrate with automated workflows, enabling instant reactions without disrupting legitimate purchases.

PCI compliance: retailers must conduct regular audits, encrypt customer data and guarantee secure, smooth payment processing compatible with all types of device.

Strengthen your software quality with Mr Suricate ! 

The tools used behind the scenes will play a decisive role in brands' ability to offer fluid, secure and engaging journeys.

At Mr Suricate, we help brands detect anomalies before they impact the customer experience, thanks to intelligent, real-time automated testing.