Online shopping is a 'big bang'! The e-commerce market will be worth $250 billion by 2030, with Gen Z and quick commerce taking over

According to a joint report by Google and Deloitte, India's e-commerce market is projected to nearly triple to $250 billion by 2030, significantly exceeding the current $90 billion level. 

This growth is primarily driven by the growing number of Gen Z shoppers, the rapid expansion of instant commerce, and artificial intelligence. The report, titled "The USD 250 Billion Commerce Frontier," predicts that 150 million new shoppers will join the Indian digital economy by the end of this decade. 

A vast group of Gen Z consumers—consisting of 220 million people—will control 45 percent of total online spending. This will drive a shift in the market toward digital-based search and highly personalized shopping.

Quick commerce will increase speed

Quick commerce, currently largely confined to urban areas, is projected to grow into a powerful $50 billion sector in the future. The number of quick commerce shoppers is expected to double to 70 million, with tier-2 cities and beyond accounting for 30 percent of the market. 

Notably, by 2030, non-food categories such as beauty, fashion, and electronics will account for 45 percent of total quick commerce spending. This will create $10 billion in new opportunities for specialists in these niches. 

The creator economy will also play a significant role. It is estimated that by 2030, content creators will influence 30 percent of total retail spending. 

The report states that one in every 10 online purchases will be directly linked to a creator's storefront. Live commerce alone will grow to become a significant $8 billion sector.

Changes in purchasing

Roma Datta Chobey, Managing Director, Connected Consumer Commerce, Google India, said this is a turning point for Indian commerce. This is primarily due to a fundamental shift in how India shops. 

Today's consumers demand experiences that are driven by storytelling, powered by AI and immersive technologies, and feature instant delivery. 

Artificial intelligence will act as a force multiplier. It is expected to increase retail sector profits by 30-35 percent through highly personalized shopping experiences and improved operational efficiency.

Gen Z is leading the way

Anand Ramanathan, Partner and Consumer Industry Leader, South Asia, Deloitte, said the market landscape is shifting from mass marketing to an era of algorithmic intimacy. 

Ramanathan said a new group of digital-first consumers, led by Gen Z, is driving this shift. 

They value speed and relevance, as well as authenticity. This is fueling the rise of generative commerce, where consumers can express their needs and AI instantly generates or delivers solutions.