South Africa, Jan. 5 -- The next phase of digital retail rewards efficiency, conversion, and retention-not spray-and-pray advertising or unchecked scale.After more than a decade of near-constant expansion, global e-commerce is entering a new phase.

According to aggregated industry data analysed by Sociallyin, worldwide e-commerce sales are expected to reach $6.42tr in 2025, representing roughly 20.5% of all global retail spending.

But the headline numbers mask a critical shift beneath the surface.

Waste no longer forgiven

And that is not a warning sign-it's a filter.

When e-commerce was growing at double digits every year, inefficiency could hide behind momentum.

In 2026, growth returns, but it rewards precision. Brands won't grow b...