Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings the market for online retail has grown steadily. This is especially evident in the UK where ecommerce is responsible for 20% of all retail sales.

Many people shop online to research brands prior to purchasing, and 45% like to "buy online, then pick up in stores". This is a change in the way people shop that brick-and-mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's hard to deny that sales of online retail in the UK have risen significantly over the past few years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C market for online shopping is expected to grow to $120 billion by the end of the year. This growth is fueled by changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as customers increasingly shop online.

With this in mind, it's crucial for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to understand what drives shoppers to buy online. We've compiled statistics and figures on retail sales that are both eye opening and revealing to help you.

Of all the retail industries of which fashion is the most popular and accounts for 28 percent of all sales made through e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the wider range of items accessible and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without having to leave your home. Electronics is second, with 16% of all e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the constant demand for new technology as well as the desire to keep up with the most recent technology. Leisure and hobbies are also popular items to purchase online, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked about the factors that drive shoppers to shop online, 57 percent of UK customers cited convenience as the primary driver. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison while 37% stated that they were seeking discounts or special offers. These results indicate that UK consumers are less influenced by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a wide product selection.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a part of daily life for many UK consumers. Be it for electronics, groceries or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online in the past year alone. Shoppers can choose from a variety of payment options and also decide when and how their products delivered.

Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons shoppers shop online. In fact 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary motive behind their shopping. Then, another 48% of them cited lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider choice of options.

The habits of online shopping among UK consumers are also becoming more eco-conscious. For example 79 percent of UK online shoppers say they recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their purchases. They can be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in an eco friendly manner.

Certain consumers want to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact but also reduce their carbon footprint. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, or accessories from a store that has their size information on the file. This lets them bypass the return process and get what they want quicker.

Interestingly, UK shoppers are reported to be more willing to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be due to the fact that they are more used to the slow delivery times and have a better understanding of the time it takes for an item to arrive in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with the age group

Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK. The most sought-after purchases are clothes and accessories, followed by groceries, and finally media such as music and movies. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are extremely convenient for shoppers. Online comparisons of prices and products are also possible when purchasing these items.

It is important to know that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it essential for online retailers to know the type of customer they are looking for when purchasing products. It is also important to know how much time each segment of customers spends online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

Older generations tend to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by online advertising. They also prefer to visit high-street stores to touch and feel products before making a final decision. However, this doesn't mean they won't buy online due to the convenience and ease of use of online shopping remains extremely appealing to them.

Another interesting aspect to be considered when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and request free shipping on all their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts if shipping costs seem excessive. In addition, 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their carts in order to reach 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 tend to spend more on clothing products, home and garden items, consumer electronics, and cosmetics and health 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 them searching for brands that support and work closely with their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are among the most popular products to buy online in the UK. In fact 62% of British women who shop online purchased these items by the year 2020. However, online sales aren't restricted to clothing with a wide range of other products on sale, like kitchenware, jewellery and sports goods.

Online shopping online uk to ireland has become increasingly popular to find the best bargains. In fact, some analysts have predicted that online sales will account for nearly one-third of all retail sales in 2024.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping while others are flourishing. In particular the rise of online sales for fashion, health and beauty as well as gardening and home, and consumer electronics.

The trend of buying these items online is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. As the number of people who use the internet is growing, it is expected that online shopping will be more popular in the near future. As online shopping is becoming more popular, retailers must ensure that their sites 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. When shopping online the British consumers are mostly influenced by price, convenience, and the variety of items. These factors make it a great place for retailers who want to improve their online presence and offer a seamless shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew dramatically as people sought out safer and more convenient options for shopping. This trend has continued post-pandemic as consumers continue to use online shopping as a viable alternative.

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

In the UK 57% of shoppers who shop online say convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who say that it is easier to discover special deals and offers and 37% of shoppers say there's a wider selection of products available online. This is in contrast to Europe, where a greater percentage of shoppers cited lower prices as the main reason behind their decision to shop online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Almost 25% of shoppers Online Shopping figures uk have bought items they have never bought in a store before, and half are willing to test new products when shopping on the marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have made use of this method in the last year.

In addition to this an effective return policy is an essential aspect of the online shopping landscape in the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59%) will research a retailer's returns policy before purchasing, and more than half will expect the retailer to be responsible for both arranging and paying for return shipping.