E-commerce Live has positioned itself as the place to be for online retailers. The yearly event brings together all divisions of the e-commerce sector: Sales, payments, logistics, marketing strategy and marketing technology.
Many online retailers and small business owners convened on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre to learn, discuss and introduce the latest developments in the various sectors of online stores.
Some of the topics discussed centred around exporting South African-made products, streamlining logistics to save time for entrepreneurs and provide optimal convenience for the customer, and placing the user experience at the heart of any online store.
This article dives into some of the highlights of the day and the key messages that attendees walked away with. These points are actionable, allowing them to go home and apply what they’ve learnt in their business.
Improve Experience to Improve Sales
One of the key takeaways from the event is the emphasis placed on the importance of quality user experience to drive sales. It starts with an aesthetic yet easy-to-navigate website that has a clear indication of what the store offers. With SEO optimised product listings, users not only benefit from clarity about the product details, but shop owners have an increased chance of driving sales through search engine results.
Further elements that enhance the customer experience are the seamless integration of payment alternatives such as Peach Payment and PayFlex, as well as a payment gateway that offers multiple payment options. Integration with logistics and delivery partners also improves how businesses run their shipments, while offering customers convenience based on their delivery method preferences.
Exporting is Available to South African Businesses
South African SMEs have the opportunity to increase their market reach by preparing themselves for overseas shipments. Matthew Davey from TUNL shared how online stores need to optimise their checkout processes if they intend to export their products. One of the points he highlighted was that with the right logistics partner, online shops can reach international clients. However, these businesses need to factor in that international sales could use alternative pricing methods that align with the value of the product for international audiences.
According to the experts speaking at the event, SMEs can use marketplaces as a springboard to reach international markets without needing to fret about the regulatory issues that come with trying it from their online store.
Hyper-personalisation through AI
Lastly, another topic that was under the lens was how AI can be used. One of the proposed ways to improve the user experience is through hyper-personalisation thanks to AI integration.
Other touch points included automated intelligence, digital transformation, AI-driven retail, smart factories and personalisation. The key element in all of these is that AI can be used to automate certain tasks throughout the e-commerce process to make sure that, from checkout to warehouse and shipment, every aspect of the business is optimised.
Other Highlights
The yearly E-commerce Live event from Leaderex remains popular because it provides discussions about a wide range of topics that are vital for the online retail space. Furthermore, these topics are not only addressed by a range of speakers. It has breakaway rooms where workshops were conducted throughout the day, forums, and 20-minute hands-on clinics that focus on solutions.
Additionally, various exhibitors had the opportunity to conduct live demonstrations that allowed business owners to understand the impact that their solutions could have on their business. The exhibitions allowed attendees to converse and enquire about the various brands and what they are able to offer online retailers.
In-person events still provide value to brands and their potential customers. It is the ideal place to introduce new innovations and discuss the latest trends within an industry. Business owners who would like to scale and grow their businesses, or only remain on the forefront of developments, can intentionally seek out the vital industry events. Networking with industry colleagues is also worth noting, as these connections help people to leverage opportunities through these relationships and interactions.
Curious to know more about e-commerce, read about what makes e-commerce different from m-commerce.
