Top eCommerce Challenges in 2025 — and How to Overcome Them

The eCommerce industry continues to thrive, but success doesn’t come without hurdles. Whether you’re launching a new Shopify store or scaling an established online brand, understanding and tackling key challenges head-on is essential for sustainable growth.

In this post, we unpack some of the most common eCommerce challenges faced by merchants in 2025—from rising ad costs to supply chain disruptions—and provide actionable strategies to overcome them. These insights are based on Shopify’s latest research combined with our experience helping merchants build high-performing Shopify stores at DeanSwanepoel.com.

1. Rising Customer Acquisition Costs

Advertising platforms like Meta and Google are becoming increasingly expensive. Paid ads now require higher budgets to achieve the same ROI as in previous years.

How to overcome it:

  • Invest in organic SEO and content marketing to drive long-term traffic.
  • Build owned audiences through email marketing (e.g. Klaviyo or Omnisend).
  • Encourage word-of-mouth and referral incentives.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions

Delays, rising freight costs, and unpredictable inventory issues remain a global challenge for online retailers—especially those relying on overseas suppliers.

How to overcome it:

  • Use Shopify’s built-in inventory tools or third-party ERPs like Cin7 for smarter stock control.
  • Build supplier redundancy by sourcing locally and internationally.
  • Communicate transparently with customers about delivery times.

3. Cart Abandonment

One of the most persistent eCommerce headaches—up to 70% of users abandon their carts before checkout.

How to overcome it:

  • Optimise your checkout with simplified UX and guest checkout.
  • Implement abandoned cart email flows with apps like Omnisend
  • Offer express payment options like Shop Pay, or Boodil.

4. Competitive Saturation

With low barriers to entry, many eCommerce markets are highly saturated, making it difficult to stand out.

How to overcome it:

  • Focus on your unique value proposition (UVP).
  • Invest in a professionally designed Shopify store with custom branding—see our development services.
  • Position your brand with storytelling, social proof, and user-generated content.

5. International Expansion Complexity

Going global is an attractive growth lever, but it brings logistical and compliance challenges with shipping, currency, duties, and localisation.

How to overcome it:

  • Use Shopify Markets to manage international pricing and currencies.
  • Set up geolocation redirects and custom duties using Shopify’s catalog features.
  • Use translation apps for local language support where applicable.

6. Lack of Technical Knowledge

Many entrepreneurs struggle with the technical demands of running an eCommerce store—from setting up themes to managing integrations.

How to overcome it:

  • Work with Shopify Experts like DeanSwanepoel.com to handle development, optimisation, and ongoing support.
  • Use Shopify’s intuitive admin panel and app ecosystem to minimise custom coding.
  • Invest in pre-paid support blocks to access expert help when you need it.

How DeanSwanepoel.com Can Help

We specialise in building, optimising and scaling Shopify stores for clients across a variety of industries—fashion, tech, wellness, food, and more.

Our services include:

Final Thoughts

eCommerce may be more competitive than ever, but with the right strategy, tools, and support, your store can thrive. By addressing these challenges early, you can build a scalable, resilient business that continues to grow in 2025 and beyond.

Need help overcoming your Shopify challenges? Get in touch and let’s build your store the right way.

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