Digital commerce is no longer the exclusive domain of retail. As customer expectations for seamless, personalized, and efficient digital experiences rise, industries as diverse as healthcare, automotive, insurance, energy, agriculture, and travel are rapidly embracing digital commerce strategies and AI-driven personalization. This sector-by-sector deep dive explores how these industries are leveraging digital commerce to unlock new value, improve customer experiences, and drive growth—while highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities each faces.
The digital revolution, accelerated by the pandemic and evolving consumer expectations, has fundamentally changed how people interact with brands and services. Today, consumers expect the same level of convenience, personalization, and transparency from their healthcare provider, insurer, or energy supplier as they do from their favorite online retailer. Yet, only 46% of consumers globally are satisfied with their digital commerce experiences, signaling significant room for innovation and disruption across sectors.
Agriculture is undergoing a profound transformation as digital commerce opens new direct-to-consumer channels and enhances supply chain resilience. Farmers face mounting pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, and volatile supply chains. Digital commerce platforms empower them to:
A leading example is Cargill’s e-commerce platform, which enables customers to manage orders, access food safety data, and review technical product specifications online. This shift not only increases efficiency but also strengthens relationships between producers and end consumers.
The automotive sector is experiencing a groundbreaking shift as consumers increasingly prefer to self-select vehicle features and avoid traditional in-person sales. Nearly 74% of car buyers want digital journeys tailored to their preferences. Digital commerce tools now unify the entire car-buying journey—from research to purchase—enabling personalized recommendations, dynamic financing options, and seamless online transactions for both new and aftermarket vehicles. Automotive brands are leveraging connected commerce solutions to optimize post-purchase experiences, such as predictive maintenance reminders and personalized offers, strengthening customer lifetime value.
Rising consumer demand for highly personalized policies and the escalating complexity of risks have created a pivotal moment for the insurance industry. With 75% of consumers expressing a desire for control and customization in their insurance coverage, digital commerce enables insurers to harness data from connected devices and ecosystems, creating usage-based and behavior-based models that enhance transparency and tailor coverage to individual needs. For example, connected vehicles can report driving habits directly to insurers, allowing for customized plans and rewards for responsible behavior. This shift not only increases policyholder control but also builds trust and long-term loyalty.
The energy sector is on the cusp of a digital commerce revolution, driven by the transition to renewable energy and decentralized supply models. Utilities are leveraging digital commerce to:
As consumers seek more control over their energy usage and sustainability becomes a priority, digital commerce solutions are fostering a more transparent, efficient, and customer-focused energy ecosystem.
Healthcare is experiencing a major digital shift, with 69% of consumers wanting to manage their health through online self-service tools. The demand for personalized, accessible care is driving providers to:
Younger generations, in particular, expect healthcare experiences that mirror the convenience and customization of retail. By embracing digital commerce, healthcare organizations can improve patient outcomes, loyalty, and operational efficiency.
Travelers now demand hyper-personalized, seamless digital experiences and greener travel options. Digital commerce platforms in travel and hospitality are:
With 71% of travelers wanting personalized recommendations, brands that invest in mature digital platforms and AI-driven personalization are increasing customer lifetime value and loyalty.
AI is the engine powering the next wave of digital commerce transformation. From predictive analytics and conversational assistants to hyper-personalized content and dynamic recommendations, AI enables organizations to:
However, success hinges on data quality, integration, and trust. Organizations must break down data silos, ensure robust data governance, and communicate transparently about data usage to build and maintain consumer trust.
Each sector faces unique challenges on the path to digital commerce maturity:
Despite these challenges, the opportunities are immense. By adopting robust digital commerce platforms, leveraging AI for personalization, and focusing on customer-centric design, organizations can:
Publicis Sapient brings deep cross-industry expertise in digital business transformation, helping organizations design and implement end-to-end digital commerce solutions. Our approach spans strategy, experience design, technology implementation, and measurement—enabling clients to quickly unlock value in a fast-changing landscape. Whether partnering with leading technology providers or building custom solutions, we help clients transcend transactions to deliver personalized, frictionless, and profitable commerce experiences.
Digital commerce is redefining what’s possible across industries. By moving beyond a retail-centric mindset and embracing digital commerce as a driver of profitable growth, organizations in healthcare, automotive, insurance, energy, agriculture, and travel can own the future. The winners will be those who act now—integrating AI-driven personalization, robust data strategies, and customer-centric innovation to deliver the seamless, meaningful experiences today’s consumers expect.
Ready to unlock new value in your industry? Let Publicis Sapient guide your digital commerce transformation journey.