Powerful Features Your Retail and eCommerce Apps Should Have in 2026 and Beyond

Research analysts state that 48%+ online buyers look for engaging features and mobile-responsive UI to adopt an eCommerce application or trust an online retail brand. No doubt, the core functionalities and features of a retail app improve user experiences and conversion rates. They streamline buyers’ journeys, enable seamless navigation, and maximize business ROI.

But how do you, as a CEO or CTO, define the features that prioritize retail software development success? What are the top aspects and features that redefine ecommerce app development? Which ecommerce app features can dominate 2026? While not thinking through these questions can limit your business growth, addressing them can help your company outshine competitors and withstand evolving markets.

Indeed, today’s technology advancements and user-first era empower eCommerce businesses to deliver innovative features to their user base through their mobile and web applications. The real challenge is identifying the ones to be included in your eCommerce app features list. Not to worry, this blog post will walk you through advanced features that can create a lasting impact in 2026 and beyond. Let’s begin!

9 Critical Retail and eCommerce App Features to Watch Out for in 2026

There are varied functionalities and features that various leading eCommerce and online retail companies offer to their customers. We have created a list of top features of an ecommerce app along with intuitive online store features that focus on seamless experiences and value for money.

#1 AI-Based Customer Support

This feature is designed to offer 360-degree and 24/7 assistance to the customers. It uses AI agents, machine learning algorithms, and natural language to augment business-user communication. With this eCommerce app feature, businesses can automate query resolution, decrease wait times, enhance customer experience, and reduce manual workloads.

According to a report by Servion Global Solutions, 95% of customer interactions are anticipated to be driven by AI agents in 2025. Another research by MarketsandMarkets reveals that the AI customer services market is projected to reach a whopping $47.82 billion by 2030. These statistics truly explain the growing significance of AI-powered customer support features in eCommerce applications.

The perfect example of this feature is Wizybot - a ChatGPT-powered virtual assistant designed for Shopify stores. It helps automate customer support, generates human-like responses to queries, accelerates user interactions, handles sales-related tasks, and even processes orders.

#2 Multilingual Assistance

An online retail and eCommerce mobile app with a multilingual assistance feature helps in reaching domestic as well as global audiences. By providing support in different languages, businesses can not only improve user engagement and enhance accessibility but also increase cross-border selling opportunities while boosting customer trust and loyalty.

As per Harvard Business Review, 72% of digital buyers are more likely to purchase a product from a website/application that offers native language support. On the other hand, HappyFox states that organizations supporting multilingual user assistance witness 20% higher customer retention rates compared to their competitors.

A leading company that offers a similar feature is Xfinity, offering multi-language support via its mobile application. Users have the provision to access the UI, program audio, particular content, and even functionalities in their preferred language.

#3 Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL)

BNPL is one of the most important online retail app features that helps users buy products instantly and make payments in installments over a particular period of time. It helps in making high-priced items more affordable to a larger customer base. This feature works best to improve conversion rates, increase sales, and reduce card abandonment scenarios.

Statista explains that the BNPL mode of transactions is projected to surge by over $450 billion by 2026. Another independent research by DemandSage predicts that users relying on BNPL are expected to grow by 157% to 900 million by 2027.

The perfect example is Amazon's BNPL feature that enables users to split the product amount and pay in installments after regular intervals. Similar to Amazon, Apple also provides such a BNPL ecommerce feature – Apple Pay Later. These payments are to be made with or without interest.

#4 Augmented Reality (AR) Support

This feature is designed to improve the online purchase experience by enabling users to visualize desired products in real-time within their physical environment. eCommerce and online retail businesses utilizing this feature are able to enhance user buying confidence, reduce returns, and increase engagement like never before. Customers can interact with the products virtually, ensuring immersive experiences.

As per research by Coolest Gadgets, 70% of digital shoppers believe that AR for visualizing products increases their confidence in buying furniture online. The research also states that 40% of buyers are ready to pay more for clothing/accessories if they can preview them using AR technology.

IKEA Place offers a similar AR feature that allows customers to visualize selected furniture options within their homes via smartphones. It helps with informed decision-making, boosting sales, and offering interactive purchase experiences.

#5 Feedback & Rating

Another critical feature that most businesses neglect within their eCommerce application is feedback and ratings. This feature helps users contribute to improving service/product quality, guide future shoppers, and share their purchase experiences. It plays a vital role in boosting application credibility across competitive market conditions.

Statistics from Shapo state that products having 5 or more reviews are more likely to be purchased compared to products with no reviews. Moreover, online reviews are a key driver of purchase decisions for over 95% of customers.

TripAdvisor offers a similar feature that helps users give their reviews and feedback. They can share detailed feedback on travel services they opted for. This feedback is given by using a specific rating between 1-5. Users can even share photos and snippets along with the reviews.

#6 In-App Payment

Payments are a crucial consideration while approaching retail software development. That’s why most eCommerce and online retail giants are focusing on adding a payment feature within their eCommerce applications. This advanced feature helps decrease friction, enhance user convenience, and improve conversion rates.

As per Applause, 76% of users abandon their transactions if their ideal payment option isn’t available to buy a particular product. On the flip side, Worldpay (FIS) 10th Global Payments Report explains that global digital payment volumes will reach $33.5 trillion with growing digitization and customer dependency on zero-contact payments, e-wallets, and digital checkouts.

A similar feature is showcased by Walmart, known as Walmart Pay. This feature is integrated with the Walmart application to ensure error-free in-store and online product purchases. It offers multi-payment options, such as credit/debit cards, e-gift cards, and electronic benefit transfer, among others, to reduce cart abandonment.

#7 Built-In Search Option

This is one of the most important online store features that gives users the option to find desired products within the application quickly and effectively. It can boost the success of eCommerce app development by 2X. How? By helping customers locate their preferences with exact searches, thereby reducing product purchase time and effort.

According to Search Engine Watch, customers getting a search option on a particular site/app are 2-3X more likely to convert compared to those who don’t. This option can be one of the most important factors for improving conversion rates.

A realistic example of this feature is the search option in the Amazon app. This feature helps customers explore products by typing specific keywords with autocomplete functionality or locate products through image-based search. Users can also utilize price, ratings, color, and other filters to identify the right product.

#8 Voice-Based Functionality

It’s a feature that helps users explore their desired products through voice command. It ensures seamless navigation capabilities with a hands-free product purchase experience with utmost convenience. It can be a go-to option for customers who prefer intuitive interactions with an extended focus on accessibility and inclusivity.

As per LinkedIn, voice commerce is expected to reach a $45 billion target by 2028. Another research by Narvar states that 43% of users who own a voice-assisted device use it for online shopping.

Amazon Alexa is the finest example of this feature. It integrates voice command for managing accounts, online shopping, and monitoring smart devices. It enables users to make payments, order preferred products, and track them with voice-based requests. Furthermore, it enhances daily retail interactions and customer experiences.

#9 Personalized Recommendation

This is a feature that harnesses the power of ML algorithms, AI agents, and data analytics to suggest products/services tailored to specific user preferences. These algorithms analyze buying behavior, browsing patterns, and geographic data to recommend relevant products, thereby increasing conversion rates and customer engagement.

As per DemandSage, currently, 47% of companies are investing in AI-based personalized customer recommendations. Another report by Twilio states that companies embracing personalization using AI models witness an increase in business revenue by 20%.

Netflix’s personalized recommendation engine is an ideal way to explain the depth of this feature. It analyzes users' watch history to recommend movies, shows, and series that they might miss otherwise. This approach reduces churn rates and increases long-term user engagement.

How Clarion Helped Global Businesses Build Transformative eCommerce Application Features 

Let’s take a look at two exceptional success stories created by Clarion for leading eCommerce solutions providers.

#1 Success Story

A renowned energy consumer management company approached Clarion to build a mobile app with transformative features that their existing web app lacked. They chose Clarion as their trusted eCommerce app development partner to create engaging features for Android and iOS applications.

Clarion’s Strategic Solution

eCommerce app development experts at Clarion crafted user-centric iOS and Android applications backed by advanced features, such as auto recharge, fast add credit, and delivery tracking. We also added a personalized search functionality for nearby electric vehicle chargers.

Business Impact

• Easy ramp up/down of resources

• Reduced overhead costs

• Streamlined service delivery

• High business ROI

To know more about our feature-rich solution, download the success story.

#2 Success Story

A large online retailer was facing critical challenges like overwhelming product selection, low engagement, decreased conversion rates, and limited customer retention. They partnered with Clarion to replace their traditional retail system with an all-new user-centric feature that is scalable enough to accommodate growing traffic without compromising performance.

Clarion’s Strategic Solution

Clarion helped the client build an AI-based personalized recommendation feature that perfectly resonates with their customers. This recommendation engine provides valuable data and insights that help the company make informed, data-driven decisions. It allows for continuous improvement in customer engagement strategies, leading to sustained business growth.

Business Impact

• Increased conversion rates by 30%

• Boosted customer engagement by 30%

• Improved customer retention by 20%

• Enhanced average order value by 15%

For detailed insights on measurable outcomes, download the success story.

Fast-Track eCommerce App Features Development with Clarion

The aforementioned features and functionalities can take your retail and ecommerce software development to the next level. They can not only boost your app performance and productivity but also ensure high business ROI and reduced operational overheads. You just need to collaborate with the right eCommerce and retail software development partner, such as Clarion, having hands-on expertise in developing and deploying modern-day automation systems, web platforms, and cross-platform apps.

Clarion has 25+ years of experience in helping eCommerce companies in the US and worldwide build powerful features that revolutionize online buying-selling experiences. We are backed by top 1% AI engineers, eCommerce developers, app development specialists, nopCommerce experts, Shopify professionals, data analytics mavens, BI experts, and other eCommerce technology consultants. Share your requirements right away to accelerate your eCommerce app features development journey.