4th Annual Edition
2026 ECI Trend Report: Ecommerce
Ecommerce trends for electrical and plumbing distributors
See exactly how buyer habits are shifting and what you can do to keep your sales counter busy and your margins strong.
You know your customers better than anyone. You know their preferred materials, their upcoming projects, and their biggest headaches. But the way these contractors buy their supplies is shifting.
Our new 2026 ecommerce trend report breaks down exactly what is happening with buyers in the electrical and plumbing trades this year. We gathered data from across the industry to help you understand these challenges and give you clear, practical steps to protect your customer relationships.
What you will find inside the report
- A shifting workforce: Experienced professionals are retiring, and a younger generation of electricians and plumbers are stepping into leadership roles. We show you how this younger generation prefers to do business.
- Changing buyer habits: Contractors no longer want to wait for stores to open to place an order. See why giving your buyers the ability to check inventory and place orders directly from their trucks is critical for keeping their business.
- The value of digital storefronts: Large national chains spend millions to make purchasing easy. We explain how you can offer that exact same convenience while keeping the local expertise your customers trust.
- Practical steps for your business: You do not need a massive IT team to adapt. The report outlines simple ways to move routing orders online. This frees up you counter staff to focus on complex projects and better service.
- What's next: AI in electrical and plumbing distribution: Explore how AI is shaping the way contractors search for products, receive personalized recommendations, and get quick answers through online chat. Get a preview of where the industry is headed and learn how even smaller distributors can turn smart technology into a competitive advantage.
How distributors are working smarter each day
“EvolutionX has helped us support our business by providing another resource for our customers to go on to find product as well as our employees.”
Keep your business ahead of the curve
When you make your customers' jobs easier, they have no reason to look for another supplier. Get the insights you need to build a smarter, more efficient operation.