Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy, the online retail market has continued to grow. This is especially evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

Many people shop online to research brands before making a purchase and 45% of them prefer to "buy Online shopping figures uk, then pick it up in store". This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online sales of retail in the UK

There's no denying that sales on retail websites have risen dramatically in the UK in recent years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C online market is predicted to reach almost $120 billion by the end of the year. This growth is due to shifting consumer habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar shops are losing popularity as customers increasingly prefer online retailers.

With this in mind, it's crucial for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives customers to purchase online. We've collected statistics and figures on retail sales that are both eye opening and informative to assist you.

Of all the retail industries of which fashion is the most popular with 28 percent of all sales on e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the wide range of merchandise and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is the second most popular with 16% of all the sales made through e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets and a desire to stay up-to-date with latest technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products account for 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% said it was because of convenience. Then, 48% cited price comparison and 37% of them said they were looking for discounts or special offers. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less driven by price than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a wide variety of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping is becoming a regular part of the lives of many UK consumers. It doesn't matter if it's for groceries, electronics or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase on the internet within the last year. Shoppers can choose from a range of payment options and also choose the time and method they'd like their purchases delivered.

There are many motives for shoppers to shop online, some of the most common include convenience prices, availability, and price. In fact 57% of online shoppers say that convenience is the primary driver behind their shopping habits. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as a benefit, while 37% mentioned the availability of more options as well.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious with regards to their online shopping habits. 79 percent of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They might even take action if feel their deliveries are not being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.

Some consumers are looking to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact but also reduce their carbon footprint. For example, 35 percent of UK shoppers have bought clothes, footwear, or accessories from a retailer with their size information on the file. This lets them avoid the return process and get what they want quicker.

Incredibly, UK customers are reported to be more willing to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be due to the fact that UK shoppers are more accustomed to the longer delivery time and know the length of time it takes to receive an item via the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK depending on the age group

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. The most popular items to purchase are clothing and accessories, followed by groceries and then media such as music and movies. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. This is because customers find these sales to be extremely convenient. Online comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is important to note that online shoppers are diverse, which makes it crucial for ecommerce companies to know what their target market is seeking when purchasing products. It is also essential to know how long each type of consumer spends online. For instance, the younger generation is far more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is time-poor and will use multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

Older generations tend to be more sceptical about their buying habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They also prefer visiting high-street stores to touch and feel products before making a final decision. This does not mean they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online remain very appealing.

Another important aspect to take into consideration when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to expect and request free shipping on all of their purchases. Additionally, they tend to drop their carts when they believe that shipping costs are too high. In addition, 61% of over 55s say they'll add additional items to their cart in order to meet the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

In the UK both genders are equally likely to shop online. However, women are more likely to make big purchases, such as furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are also more likely to purchase fashion as well as health and beauty, home and garden, and consumer electronics products.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have revealed that 70% of shoppers are influenced by how a retailer responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 69% of these seeking out brands that are supportive of and work closely with their local communities.

The most sought-after online purchasing products in the UK are footwear and clothing. In fact, 62 percent of British women who shop online will purchase these items by 2020. Online sales aren't just only limited to clothing. Other items such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.

This is why online shopping is becoming more popular as a way to find the most affordable prices on these items. Some experts predict that by 2024, online sales could make up more than a third of all retail sales.

While some retailers struggle to deal with the rise in online shopping, others are flourishing. Online sales are increasing in fashion, health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronic.

In the near future the online shopping market for these items is expected to increase. As the number of internet users increases it is anticipated that online shopping will be more popular in the near future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it is essential for retailers to make sure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and provide a secure and easy checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is among the most important European eCommerce markets. Its consumers are influenced by the ease of shopping, the price and a variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it a great opportunity for retailers to invest in their online presence and provide an effortless shopping experience online.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales increased significantly as people opted for secure and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic, as consumers continue to choose online shopping as an attractive alternative.

Online shopping is a significant portion of the UK retail market There are estimates that it will account for one-third of all retail sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advancements in technology.

57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason they shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find bargains and special offers, and the 37% who say there's a wider selection of merchandise available online are behind. This is in contrast to Europe, where a greater proportion of shoppers cited lower prices as the primary reason for their choice to shop online.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of consumers are willing to try them when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond list of online shopping sites in uk the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have made use of this option during the last year.

In addition to this, a robust online return policy is a crucial aspect of the online shopping landscape for the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) will check the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and more than half will expect a retailer to be responsible for both organizing and paying for return shipping.