Digital Commerce Beyond Retail: Industry-Specific Transformation Stories

Digital commerce is no longer the exclusive domain of retail. Today, industries as diverse as agriculture, automotive, banking, healthcare, insurance, telecommunications, shipping, travel, and energy are embracing digital commerce to unlock new revenue streams, improve customer engagement, and drive operational efficiency. At Publicis Sapient, we help organizations across these sectors harness the power of digital commerce to transform their business models and deliver measurable impact.

The Expanding Opportunity for Digital Commerce

The digital revolution, accelerated by shifting customer expectations and the need for resilience, has created new opportunities for industries beyond traditional retail. Consumers and business buyers now expect seamless, personalized, and convenient digital experiences—whether they’re purchasing a car, managing their health, or booking travel. Yet, only 46% of consumers globally are satisfied with their digital commerce experiences, highlighting a significant opportunity for organizations willing to innovate.

Sector Spotlights: Transformation in Action

Agriculture

Farmers and agribusinesses face mounting pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, and supply chain volatility. Digital commerce enables them to build direct-to-consumer channels, improve profit margins, and foster transparency. For example, leading agricultural companies have launched e-commerce platforms that allow customers to place orders, access food safety data, and manage documentation online—streamlining operations and building trust with consumers seeking traceability.

Automotive

The automotive sector is undergoing a dramatic shift as buyers demand self-service, personalized experiences. Digital commerce platforms now unify the entire car-buying journey—from research to purchase—reducing reliance on physical showrooms. Virtual dealerships, interactive configurators, and dynamic recommendations for financing and accessories are redefining how vehicles are sold. One major automobile company’s digital dealership saw a 70% rise in unit sales and a 30% increase in margin per unit, with 90% of customers new to the brand.

Banking and Financial Services

Digital commerce is reshaping banking by enabling intuitive, personalized financial experiences. Modern consumers expect real-time payments, interactive tools, and educational resources. Financial institutions are leveraging digital platforms to empower customers with greater control and visibility, moving beyond transactions to deliver holistic financial wellness. This shift is essential as digital natives become the dominant customer segment.

Healthcare

Patients increasingly expect customized, digital-first healthcare experiences. Digital commerce solutions—such as telemedicine, online prescription management, and medical equipment shopping—are making healthcare more accessible and engaging. Providers who integrate these tools can offer personalized care, improve patient satisfaction, and build loyalty, especially among younger, tech-savvy generations.

Insurance

The insurance industry is being transformed by rising demand for personalized policies and sophisticated risk models. Digital commerce enables insurers to harness data from connected devices, offering usage-based and behavior-based coverage. This not only enhances transparency and control for policyholders but also allows insurers to reward responsible behavior and tailor products to individual needs.

Telecommunications

Telecom providers are leveraging digital commerce to diversify offerings and personalize customer experiences. Platforms now automate plan selection, billing, and support, while enabling the sale of new services like smart home devices. Real-time data allows telecoms to adapt promotions and offerings quickly, driving efficiency and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

Shipping and Logistics

Facing supply chain disruptions and efficiency demands, shipping and logistics companies are adopting digital commerce solutions such as blockchain for transparency and predictive analytics for route optimization. These tools enable agile, responsive supply chains and seamless customer experiences, from digital ticketing to autonomous vehicle integration.

Travel and Hospitality

Travelers now expect hyper-personalized, seamless digital interactions and eco-friendly options. Digital commerce platforms empower travel brands to offer tailored recommendations, contactless payments, and carbon footprint transparency. By leveraging data-driven insights, companies can increase customer lifetime value and loyalty through targeted campaigns and continuous platform improvements.

Energy and Utilities

The energy sector is transitioning to sustainable, decentralized models. Digital commerce solutions provide utilities with centralized data for demand forecasting, smart grid management, and customer engagement. Consumers gain tools to manage home energy production, usage, and EV charging, fostering a more sustainable and customer-centric ecosystem.

Practical Strategies for Industry Transformation

Across these sectors, Publicis Sapient applies proven strategies to drive digital commerce success:

Real-World Impact: Measurable Outcomes

Why Publicis Sapient?

With decades of experience in digital business transformation, Publicis Sapient is uniquely positioned to help organizations across industries realize the full potential of digital commerce. Our SPEED capabilities—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data—enable us to deliver measurable outcomes, from increased revenue and operational agility to deeper customer relationships and brand loyalty.

Ready to unlock new growth opportunities in your industry? Discover how Publicis Sapient can help you build seamless digital commerce experiences, optimize operations, and thrive in the digital age.