Insights into the forces shaping the world of commerce in 2025

Commerce is in the midst of extraordinary change. However, its evolution has taken an interesting turn. It isn’t only driven by consumer behaviors, competitive pressures and innovative thinking shaping new retail experiences, or advancing technology. All three are driving adaptations and advancements that will change the face of commerce. These converging forces create a formidable challenge for businesses, necessitating research and up-to-date intelligence to understand and overcome the complexities of doing business in 2025 and beyond. Ingenico has launched Ingenico Signals to provide you with actionable insights into the opportunities and challenges related to Retail Experience, Payments, and Technology, to help put your business on track for the year ahead.

Retail Experience Signals

Retail experiences have evolved substantially over the past decade, but in 2025 expect merchants to refine the processes and systems they have implemented. Artificial intelligence (AI) and, specifically, generative AI (GenAI) will give merchants the ability to enhance interactions, add voice-enabled transactions, and add fraud prevention without slowing down checkout.

The steps in the checkout process will change as well. For example, an Ingenico survey found that while printed receipts remain relevant, the demand for digital receipts is increasing, giving consumers a sustainable option for tracking purchases while giving merchants a new channel to interact with customers. Additionally, in North America, consumers will have more opportunities to streamline checkout with smart cart payment solutions that allow them to scan items as they shop and avoid traditional checkout lines.

Around the world, consumers will increasingly find more convenient ways to make contactless payments. SoftPOS, which allows merchants to accept contactless payments directly on a mobile device rather than requiring a PIN pad or other payment terminal, is growing more popular. Ingenico’s SoftPOS white paper explains that merchants of any size can meet the demand for immediate service and frictionless payment solutions.

Payment Signals

Merchants have responded to greater consumer demand for payment services characterized by choice and convenience — and expect the range of payment methods that merchants offer to expand in 2025. Our team anticipates cryptocurrency payments becoming mainstream as the U.S. deregulates these payments. In EMEA, cryptocurrency and increasing digital payment adoption are driving the development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which can increase financial inclusion, streamline cross-border transactions, and lower costs.

The European Digital Markets Act is also set to prevent monopolistic behavior, which could pave the way for innovation such as in-app contactless payments for in-store transactions. Additionally, the increasing growth of digital wallet adoption is setting the stage for a new payment landscape characterized by secure, convenient, and reliable payment services.

Unattended devices are growing in popularity globally. Self-service continues to address consumers’ demand for autonomy and convenience when paying for everything from public transportation fares and EV charges to groceries and convenience store purchases.

In 2025, payments will also become more sustainable. Ingenico thought leaders have observed tangible progress toward climate-focused payment solutions designed to ensure a greener future.

Technology Signals

Ingenico’s thought leaders have observed that merchants worldwide are implementing innovative technologies to meet demands for faster, personalized, and secure transactions. One technology gaining momentum is progressive web apps (PWAs). They combine fast load times and seamless offline functionality to deliver user experiences that build engagement, loyalty, and, ultimately, revenues more cost-effectively and flexibly than legacy options.

Another technology to watch is biometric authentication. A common element of mobile commerce, authenticating identity with biometric methods, like palm vein or facial scans, this technology will become more prevalent in payment transactions in-store, enhancing security, speed, and convenience.

Businesses should also monitor tech trends specific to particular regions of the world. For example, A2A payments, powered by real-time payment systems, are on the brink of transforming the EMEA payments landscape. A2A promises frictionless payment services via instant, account-to-account transfers that will challenge payments via traditional card networks. Ingenico thought leaders also see 2025 as the year that real-time payments rise in North America.

Latin America is emerging as a global fintech hub, fueled by Brazil’s PIX instant payment system and demand for cross-border growth. AI will also drive innovation. Android terminals operating on advanced, yet user-friendly, platforms will allow merchants to deploy AI solutions for secure, personalized, and efficient interactions.

Learn More

Ingenico Signals resources are filled with more insights that can help you navigate changes in the coming months, influenced by  the demand for new retail experiences, advancing technologies and payment innovation. For the latest information from our team, download Ingenico Signals [Technology], [Payments], and [Retail Experience].