Exclusive Data Reveals Key Retail Insights: From Increased Difficulties in Inventory Visibility to AI Adoption
Linnworks, a leading provider of ecommerce inventory and order management software, unveils the State of Commerce Ops 2025 Report. The research delivers insights into challenges faced by online retailers in a landscape shaped by rapidly evolving technology and consumer trends.
“The 2025 State of Commerce Ops Report provides invaluable insights for brands and retailers to help them stay ahead of the curve. If they’re not already thinking multiple steps ahead, this data will nudge them in the right direction.”
“The ecommerce industry is constantly evolving and brands, in particular, growing online retailers, who sometimes fall through the cracks when it comes to being serviced, are forced to adapt to keep up,” said Chris Timmer, CEO, Linnworks. “The 2025 State of Commerce Ops Report provides invaluable insights for brands and retailers to help them stay ahead of the curve. If they’re not already thinking multiple steps ahead, this data will nudge them in the right direction.”
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Analyzing current trends in ecommerce and comprehensive survey data from 200 online retailers across the U.K. and U.S., this year’s research identifies patterns and pain points within the industry. Key findings include:
- International Expansion is a Top Priority, but less so in the U.S. than the U.K.: 78% of U.K. ecommerce sellers already operate internationally, while 61% of U.S. sellers do the same. Strategies for growth are included within the report.
- Inventory Management Remains a Struggle: Only 36% of retailers believe they have full inventory visibility, while 57% say they have minor visibility issues, suggesting a need for better tracking solutions.
- Technology Investments, including AI, are Non-Negotiable for Growth: Nearly half of all ecommerce businesses are planning new technology investments in 2025. Businesses that automate order fulfillment and inventory management report smoother operations and higher customer satisfaction.
- Ecommerce Growth is Rapid, but Complex: Over a third (38%) of businesses reported revenue or order volume increases of more than 20%, and nearly half (48%) reported growth between 5-20%. Only 2% of businesses saw a decline, indicating overall industry resilience.
- Marketplaces are Dominating Online Retailing: More than 50% of consumers prefer shopping via marketplaces over traditional online stores. 60% of retailers now sell on four or more marketplaces, reflecting the continued shift toward multi-channel selling.
