DHL: American shoppers are clear about what they want: speed, transparency, and trust
American online shoppers are rewriting the rules of e‑commerce, with 93% identifying as convenience‑driven consumers who prioritise fast, free delivery and easy returns above all else, according to the consumer data from the U.S. findings of the 2026 DHL eCommerce Trends Report.
The report, based on responses from 1,000 U.S. shoppers across generations, reveals a market where expectations for speed, trust, and seamless experiences continue to accelerate.
The U.S. data highlights a widening gap between what shoppers demand and what retailers currently deliver, especially around inventory accuracy, cross‑border trust, and AI‑powered shopping experiences.
Pablo Ciano, Global CEO of DHL eCommerce, said: “American shoppers are clear about what they want: speed, transparency, and trust. The U.S. is one of the world’s most convenience‑driven markets, and retailers who close the expectation gap, especially around delivery, returns, and AI‑enabled shopping, will be the ones who win.”
Key U.S. Findings:
Convenience is king — across every generation
An overwhelming 93% of U.S. shoppers identify as convenience shoppers, saying they want fast, free delivery and easy returns above all else. This preference is consistent across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers, making convenience the most unifying consumer behavior in the U.S.
Cross‑border shopping is rising — but trust remains a barrier
U.S. shoppers increased their international purchasing across three top major markets:
- China: 60% in 2025 → 63% in 2026
- UK: 25% in 2025 → 28% in 2026
- Canada: 18% in 2025 → 23% in 2026
Despite this growth, 52% say they avoid buying internationally due to fear of fraud or lack of trust, making it the top barrier to cross‑border commerce.
Inventory issues and delivery options are the top reasons Americans abandon carts
Three factors dominate U.S. cart abandonment:
- 68% say they abandon purchases because products are out of stock or unavailable — the #1 reason.
- 66% say they abandon when the delivery offering doesn’t meet their expectations.
- 62% say unexpected customs/taxes charges caused them to abandon their online purchases.
This signals a major opportunity for retailers to improve inventory visibility and delivery choice.
Digital wallets are gaining momentum in U.S. checkout behavior
Sixty-six percent of U.S. shoppers currently use digital wallets, making them the second-leading payment method in the market after credit and debit cards (87%).
AI expectations: Americans want security, accuracy, and transparency
U.S. shoppers are open to AI — but cautious:
- 64% say their biggest AI concern is privacy, trust, and security.
- 46% want AI‑powered fraud detection in the future.
- 40% want real‑time inventory updates and back‑in‑stock alerts.
This positions AI as both a growth driver and a trust challenge for retailers.
Speed expectations intensify: Americans want same‑day delivery and returns
When asked what they most want to see in the next five years, 57% of U.S. shoppers chose same‑day or even faster delivery and returns — the highest‑priority future expectation above more parcel shops/lockers, personalized delivery and return windows, among others.
Second‑hand shopping goes mainstream — U.S. ranks #2 globally
Fifty-one percent of U.S. shoppers say they have purchased pre‑owned or refurbished items, the second‑highest rate in the world, behind France. This reflects a major shift toward value‑driven and sustainability‑minded shopping behaviors.
What this means for U.S. retailers
The U.S. e‑commerce landscape is evolving faster than many retailers can adapt. To meet rising expectations, businesses must:
- Offer fast, free, flexible delivery and returns
- Improve inventory accuracy and real‑time visibility
- Strengthen cross‑border trust signals
- Expand digital wallet acceptance
- Deploy AI features that enhance security and transparency
- Support the growing second‑hand and circular economy
Retailers who bridge these gaps will be best positioned to capture growth in the world’s most convenience‑driven e‑commerce market.
About the DHL eCommerce Trends Report 2026
The DHL eCommerce Trends Report 2026 surveyed 29,000 consumers and 5,800 businesses across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Combining shopper and business perspectives into a single unified view, the report gives practical insights to help e-commerce brands respond to changing operational demands.
