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E-commerce Retention Rate

Retention rate in e-commerce measures the percentage of customers who Retention rate in e-commerce is a crucial metric that measures the percentage of customers who continue to make purchases over a specific period of time.

How to calculate Retention Rate

Retention rate is essentially the inverse of churn rate, which measures the percentage of customers who stop making purchases over a given period. To calculate retention rate, you subtract the churned customers from the total number of customers and then divide by the total number of customers at the beginning of the period.

Significance of Retention Rate

It reflects the ability of an e-commerce business to maintain its customer base and foster repeat purchases. Retention rate is particularly significant because acquiring new customers often involves higher costs compared to retaining existing ones. Therefore, a higher retention rate can lead to more sustainable and profitable growth.


How to interpret Retention Rate

Retention rate varies in importance depending on the e-commerce vertical. For example, subscription-based services or consumable products rely heavily on high retention rates to ensure ongoing revenue streams. Conversely, in industries where products are less frequently purchased, such as luxury goods, retention may be less critical but still valuable for maintaining brand loyalty and encouraging repeat business.

Why you should pay attention to Retention Rate

A small improvement in retention rate can have a substantial impact on a business due to compound effects. Retaining existing customers not only boosts immediate revenue but also enhances customer lifetime value (CLV). Over time, even minor increases in retention can lead to significant growth in overall sales and profitability. Loyal customers are more likely to make repeat purchases, refer others, and engage with your brand more deeply, contributing to long-term success.

Thus, focusing on strategies to improve retention—such as personalized marketing, excellent customer service, and loyalty programs—can be highly beneficial for enhancing overall business performance and achieving sustainable growth.


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