"According to Fast Simon, shoppers are using emojis in e-commerce search bars more often, replacing some standard product terms with quicker visual shorthand. The company said emoji search usage rose 42 percent across 2025."
"Fast Simon's 2026 rankings so far extend beyond straightforward product icons to include the kiss mark emoji for beauty, the boxing glove for sportswear and performance, and a coffee-and-runner pairing tied to active lifestyle and routine searches."
"Shoppers are increasingly searching the way they text and via AI chat, not the way e-commerce platforms once trained them to search. The intent behind an emoji search is not always literal."
Emojis are becoming a significant part of online retail searches, with a 42 percent increase in usage noted by Fast Simon. The sneaker and high-heeled shoe emojis are the most popular, indicating a shift from traditional product terms to visual shorthand. This trend, termed 'vibe shopping,' reflects consumers' preferences for emotional and non-linear product discovery influenced by mobile habits and social media. Shoppers are also combining emojis with text for more specific searches, indicating a change in how products are found online.
Read at WWD
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