I’ve compiled a list of insightful retail statistics; a brief overview is provided below.
Retail Statistics:
- 90% of retail sales happen in physical stores.
- According to projections, total global retail will reach $31.3 trillion by 2025.
- In 2022, global retail sales exceeded 27 trillion dollars.
- As of 2023, the US has 1,045,422 retail stores.
- There are 2.1 million US ecommerce retailers.
- US retailers will spend $50 billion on digital ads in 2023.
- 81% of retail shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase.
- 80% of shoppers believe that the customer experience is just as important as the products and services.
- 54% of consumers say they are more likely to look at a product online before purchasing it in-store.
- Total retail sales will increase between 4% and 6% in 2023 compared to 2022 levels.
Sources: (Industry Dive, Epam Anywhere, Statista, Zippia, Digital in the Round, Invoca, General Electric, Help Scout.)
#1. Physical Retail Dominates: 90% of Retail Sales Occur In-Store.

Source: Industry Dive
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Generis Collective, Retail Dive, Retail Technology Review, Business Leader, Linkedin, Forbes, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Invest significantly in brick-and-mortar store experiences. | The vast majority of retail transactions still occur offline. |
Integrate online strategies to drive in-store traffic. | Even in a digital age, physical stores dominate retail sales. |
Reevaluate excessive digital-only retail approaches. | A balanced strategy, favoring physical stores, aligns with prevailing sales patterns. |
#2. Global Retail Market Forecasted to Surge to $31.3 Trillion by 2025.
Source: Epam Anywhere
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Statista, dealsuite, data axle usa, spectra usa, fibre 2 fashion, Insider Intelligence, web fx, oberlo, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Strengthen global retail strategies in anticipation. | The immense projected growth emphasizes the expanding retail market. |
Adapt to evolving consumer trends and demands worldwide. | Ensuring relevance in a vast market requires keeping pace with global shifts. |
Allocate resources for strategic expansion and innovation. | As the market burgeons, capturing a slice necessitates foresight and agility. |
#3. In 2022, Global Retail Sales Touched a Monumental $27 Trillion.
Source: Statista
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Expert Market Research, Verified Market Research, Linkedin, Oberlo, Money Transfers, Scribd, Research And Markets, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Recognize the immense scale and potential of the global retail market. | Sales in trillions underscore the market’s vastness and profitability. |
Incorporate data-driven strategies to tap into this lucrative sector. | Analyzing and adapting to trends ensures a share in the vast revenue pool. |
Allocate investments to both maintain and grow global market presence. | To stay competitive, businesses must prioritize ongoing market engagement and expansion. |
#4. US Boasts Over 1.04 Million Brick-and-Mortar Retail Outlets in 2023.
Source: Zippia
Significance of the Data: High
Mentioned By: National Retail Federation, Market Splash, Website Builder Expert, Veras Retail, Statista, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Acknowledge the continued significance of brick-and-mortar retail. | Over a million physical stores signify their persistent relevance. |
Differentiate stores through unique in-person experiences. | In a crowded marketplace, distinct offerings ensure customer attraction and retention. |
Assess regional distribution and market saturation. | Strategic placement and market analysis are pivotal for sustained success in such a dense landscape. |
#5. Staggering 2.1 Million Ecommerce Retailers Now Operate in the US.

Source: Digital in the Round
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Etailinsights, Startup Talky, Influencer Marketing Hub, Oberlo, Thrive My Way, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Recognize the surging prevalence of e-commerce retailing. | Over two million entities emphasize the digital shift in retail. |
Distinguish e-commerce platforms with innovation and user experience. | Amidst the crowded digital space, differentiation is crucial for visibility and conversion. |
Prioritize robust digital marketing and SEO strategies. | In such a dense e-commerce environment, online visibility becomes paramount for success. |
#6. US Retailers’ Digital Ad Expenditure to Exceed $50 Billion in 2023.
Source: Invoca
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Digital Content Next, Statista, Insider Intelligence, Adweek, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Allocate a significant portion of marketing budgets to digital advertising. | The vast projected expenditure signifies the industry’s reliance on digital reach. |
Stay updated with the latest digital advertising trends. | As the investment grows, leveraging forefront trends is crucial for optimal returns. |
Reassess and refine digital ad strategies regularly. | The competitive ad landscape demands continual optimization for maximum ROI. |
#7. Online Research is Key: 81% of Shoppers Investigate Before Purchase.
Source: General Electric
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: Saleslion, Invoca, Adweek, Forbes, Business Blogs Hub, Chain Store Age, Think With Google, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Prioritize a strong online presence for retail brands. | The majority of shoppers are influenced by online information before purchasing. |
Invest in accurate, informative, and easily accessible content. | Ensuring that consumers find relevant details online aids in purchase decisions. |
Enhance SEO and online visibility for key products and services. | As shoppers search, ensuring brand visibility can significantly influence sales outcomes. |
#8. For 80% of Shoppers, Customer Experience Rivals Product Importance.
Source: Help Scout
Significance of the Data: Very High
Mentioned By: SuperOffice, Zendesk, Salesforce, PwC, HubSpot, Epsilon, Exchange 4 Media, Mckinsey & Company, and more.
What does the data Suggest | Justification |
Elevate the focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. | A vast majority equate experience with product value, emphasizing its significance. |
Invest in training and resources to enhance touchpoints at every stage. | Every interaction can sway a consumer’s perception and buying decision. |
Continually gather feedback and adapt to meet customer expectations. | In a customer-centric world, proactive adaptation ensures brand loyalty and growth. |