Beyond Retail: The Rise of Seamless Digital Commerce in Non-Retail Industries

Digital commerce has long been synonymous with retail, but the landscape is rapidly evolving. Today, the principles that have transformed retail—personalization, frictionless transactions, and omnichannel engagement—are being adopted across a diverse array of industries, from healthcare and financial services to insurance and mobility. As consumer expectations for seamless digital experiences continue to rise, non-retail sectors are seizing the opportunity to unlock new value, drive operational efficiency, and build deeper customer relationships. Publicis Sapient’s cross-industry expertise demonstrates how these sectors can harness digital commerce to shape the future of their industries.

The Expanding Digital Commerce Opportunity

The digital revolution, accelerated by the pandemic and shifting consumer behaviors, has set a new standard: people expect the same level of convenience, personalization, and connectivity in every digital interaction, regardless of industry. Yet, only 46% of consumers globally are satisfied with their digital commerce experiences, revealing a significant opportunity for organizations willing to innovate beyond traditional boundaries.

Healthcare: Personalization and Accessibility at Scale

Healthcare is undergoing a profound transformation as patients demand more control and customization in their care journeys. Digital commerce tools are enabling healthcare providers to offer:

For example, leading healthcare organizations are integrating telehealth platforms that not only facilitate virtual consultations but also provide tailored health content and timely communication, enhancing both patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. The focus is on delivering user-centric, secure, and accessible experiences that mirror the best of digital retail.

Financial Services: Digital-First, Human-Centric Banking

The financial services sector is at the forefront of digital commerce adoption, with consumers increasingly preferring digital-first solutions. Key trends include:

Banks and fintechs that invest in seamless, personalized digital journeys are not only meeting high consumer expectations but also attracting new generations of customers. The ability to offer flexible, user-friendly services is now a key differentiator in a competitive market.

Insurance: Customization and Transparency

Insurance is experiencing a pivotal shift as consumers seek greater control and transparency in their coverage. Digital commerce is enabling insurers to:

Insurers embracing digital commerce are leveraging data to create sophisticated risk models and reward responsible behaviors, ultimately delivering more value to policyholders and improving retention.

Mobility: Redefining the Customer Journey

The mobility sector—including automotive, transportation, and mobility services—is being reshaped by digital commerce. Consumers now expect:

Automotive brands and mobility providers are responding by building digital ecosystems that connect every touchpoint, from virtual showrooms and online financing to predictive maintenance and connected services. These innovations not only enhance the customer experience but also open new revenue streams and business models.

Overcoming Sector-Specific Challenges

While the opportunities are vast, each industry faces unique challenges in adopting digital commerce:

Success requires a strategic approach—investing in robust data platforms, leveraging AI for personalization, and designing experiences that put people first. Organizations that prioritize seamless integration, security, and transparency will be best positioned to lead.

Publicis Sapient: Your Partner in Digital Commerce Transformation

Publicis Sapient brings deep cross-industry expertise to help organizations unlock the full potential of digital commerce. Our work spans strategy, design, technology, and data, enabling clients to:

From launching the first fully digital trade finance bank to building unified mobility platforms and transforming healthcare engagement, our track record demonstrates the power of digital commerce to create lasting value beyond retail.

The Path Forward

The future of digital commerce is borderless. As industries converge and consumer expectations continue to rise, the organizations that embrace seamless, personalized, and frictionless digital experiences will set new standards for value and growth. By moving beyond a "commerce is for retail" mindset, non-retail sectors can reimagine their customer relationships, unlock new efficiencies, and lead in the digital age.

Ready to explore how digital commerce can transform your industry? Connect with Publicis Sapient to start your journey toward seamless, profitable, and future-ready digital experiences.