The appetite for subscriptions-based products and services continues to grow but, in the current economy, competition is stiff, warns the recently published SubscriptionX 2025 report.
In 2025, among leading global retailers offering subscription programmes, some 35% are software stores and 29% are bookshops. Consumer electronics retailers and digital media stores each account for 12% of the market.
However, of those retailers with standard subscription programmes, just 20% offer multiple plans. This is unsurprising as multiples can be unwieldy to manage and scale. Some 77% of global subscription plans are priced in US dollars (USD), followed by 13% in euros (EUR) and 10% in other currencies, reflecting the dollar’s continued role as the global ecommerce currency.
Monthly payment plans are the most common type of subscription and this is offered by 80% of retailers with standard subscription programmes, compared with just 20% who offer yearly payment options.
No retailers in the RetailX Global Elite Retailers list offer weekly, daily, or one-off payment options.
Among those retailers with standard subscriptions, the most common price range is $100 to $249.99 USD, accounting for 60% of plans, followed by 20% priced below $100 and 20% above $250.
According to research from Bango, nearly a quarter of American subscribers (23%) spend over $100 per month on streaming and subscription services.
When it comes to personalised subscription plans, these tend to offer shorter subscription lengths, reflecting a move towards customer satisfaction and the understanding that one size no longer fits all for today’s consumer.
However, unsurprisingly, subscription cancellation fees are more common in these personalised subscription plans as they become more costly and complicated for the retailer to put in place.
This is an excerpt from the RetailX Subscription Report 2025 provides an in-depth look at the ever-evolving subscription economy, offering retailers a roadmap to tap into this growing trend.
Whether it’s curated meal kits, fitness programs, or access to exclusive digital content, the subscription economy is reshaping how consumers engage with brands—and this report aims to help you harness its potential.
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