Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy the market for online shopping has continued to grow. This is evident especially in the UK where ecommerce is responsible for 20% of retail sales.

Online shopping is a popular method for shoppers to explore brands and purchase. 45percent of consumers prefer to "buy online and then pick it up in-store". This is a shift in consumer behavior that brick-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no denying that online sales of merchandise have increased significantly in the UK in recent years. According to the 2023 statistics, the B2C online market is predicted to reach almost $120 billion next year. This growth is driven by changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Brick and mortar shops are losing popularity as consumers increasingly turn to online retailers.

With this in mind, it's important for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives consumers to buy online. We've compiled statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye-opening and informative to assist you.

Fashion is the most sought-after retail industry in the UK accounting for 28 percent of all online sales. This is likely due to the wide range of merchandise and energy-Efficient cabinet lighting the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with most recent technology. Online sales of leisure and hobby products make up 15% of all ecommerce sales.

When asked what factors drive customers to shop online 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. Then, 48% cited price comparison while 37% of them said they were looking for discounts or special offers. These results suggest that consumers in the UK are less driven by price than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a large variety of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping has become a daily part of life for many UK residents. Be it for groceries, electronics, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over 65 have made an online purchase in the past year alone. With a wide range of payment options available, shoppers can also choose the best time and method for their goods to be delivered.

Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as their primary reason for purchasing online. In addition, 48% mentioned lower prices as an additional advantage, while 37% cited a wider range of choices as well.

UK consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious in their shopping online. For example 79% of UK online shoppers report recycling boxes and other packaging materials they have purchased from their purchases. They might even take action if think their purchases aren't being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.

In addition to reducing their impact on the environment, some customers are also seeking to make their online shopping experience more personal. For example 35% of UK consumers have purchased clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who has their size information stored. This allows them to skip the return process and get what they want quicker.

Incredibly, UK customers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are more accustomed to the longer delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK by the age group

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. Clothes and accessories are the most popular items, followed by groceries, and media such as movies and music. Shopping online is very popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is due to the fact that consumers find these events very convenient. Online comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is essential to realize that online shoppers are diverse. This is why it is crucial for e-commerce businesses to know the type of customer they are looking for when purchasing products. It is also important to know how long each type of consumer spends online. For example, the younger generation is far more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that the younger generation has less time and uses a variety of devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generations however tend to have more shrewd purchasing habits and are less influenced by advertisements on the internet. They also tend to visit high street stores to see and touch items before making a purchase. However, this doesn't mean they won't buy online due to the convenience and stress-free nature of online shopping is still very appealing to them.

Another interesting factor to consider when it concerns online shopping is that older generation is more likely to anticipate and demand free delivery on all their purchases. Additionally they are more likely to abandon their carts when they believe that shipping costs are excessive. Furthermore, as many as 61% of over 55s say that they will add additional items to their shopping carts in order to reach a free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

Men and vimeo women in the UK are equally likely to shop for products on the internet. However, women are more likely to make large purchases, such as furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are more likely to buy fashion, home and garden products as well as consumer electronics and products for beauty and health.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to research 70% of consumers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 epidemic. 69% of consumers looked for brands that supported and were in close contact with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping items in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact 62% of British women who shop online purchased these items by 2020. Online sales are not only limited to clothing. Other items like kitchenware, jewelry, and sports items are also available.

Shopping online has become increasingly popular to find the most affordable bargains. Some analysts believe that by 2024, online sales could make up more than a third of all retail sales.

While some retailers are struggling to cope with the increase in online sales, others are flourishing. Particularly the online market is booming for health, fashion and beauty, home and gardening as well as consumer electronic.

The trend of purchasing these items online is likely to continue to increase in the coming years. As the number of people who use the internet is growing it is anticipated that online shopping will increase in popularity in the near future. As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers should ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also offer a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a major European ecommerce market. The majority of its customers are influenced convenience, price and a vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal place for retailers to improve their online presence and provide an effortless shopping experience online.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales grew significantly as consumers chose secure and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to use online shopping as an attractive alternative.

Shopping online is a significant component of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it could comprise three-quarters of retail sales by 2024. This is because of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by customers and technological advancements.

57% of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. The 48% who say it's easier to find deals and special offers as well as the 37% who say there is a greater range of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe more than half of consumers cite lower prices as a major factor for their decision to buy online.

The online shoppers are also keen to test new brands and products. Online consumers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of them are willing to try them when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a common choice for UK customers, with 29% of online shoppers using a buy now pay later option in the last year.

A solid return policy for online purchases for the UK is also an important aspect of e-commerce. The majority of shoppers (59%) will check the returns policy of a retailer prior buying, and nearly half will expect a retailer to be responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping.