U.S., Nov. 21 -- With e-commerce booming in the run up to Christmas, DHL has revealed the four key trends that are shaping the future of e-commerce.

E-commerce was formerly unique to the retail sector and B2C market, however, it has since become an important component in B2B transactions. Now used across all sectors, it is thought that business e-commerce in the US could reach $1.2trn by 2021, according to research firm Forrester.

1. The rise of 'social commerce' and virtual marketplaces

It has been discovered that consumers are transitioning away from purchasing online from corporate websites. Forrester's research found that 67% of B2C online sales will take place on virtual marketplaces by 2022. "Until recently, it was mostly brands,...