Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings, the online retail market has grown steadily. This is evident especially 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, pick up in store". This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.

1. Online sales of retail in the UK

It's hard to deny that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. In fact, according to data from 2023, the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by the year 2023. This growth is a result of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end, bricks and mortar stores are experiencing a decline in popularity as more shoppers are turning to online retailers for their purchases.

To achieve this, it's essential that both omni-channel and pureplay retailers understand what motivates shoppers to purchase online. We've compiled statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye opening and online Shopping figures uk revealing to help you.

Fashion is the most popular retail sector in the UK with 28 percent of all ecommerce sales. This is likely due to the availability of a wider selection of products and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics comes in second, with 16% of all online sales. This is probably due to the constant need for new devices and the desire to keep up with the most recent technology. Leisure and hobbies are also a popular purchase online, accounting for 15% of all online sales.

When asked what factors drive consumers to shop online 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison and 37% said they were seeking special offers or discounts. These results indicate that UK shoppers are less price-driven than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a broad product selection.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online has become a daily part of the lives of many UK residents. About half of UK residents aged 65 or older have made a purchase online in the last year. Shoppers can choose from a range of payment options and also decide when and how their purchases delivered.

There are many reasons for online shoppers to shop Some of the most common include convenience prices, availability, and price. In fact, 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary driver behind their shopping habits. Another 48% of them cited lower prices while 37% mentioned a greater selection of choices.

UK consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious in their online shopping habits. 79 percent of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may even take action if they think their purchases aren't coming in environmentally friendly packaging.

In addition to lessening their impact on the environment, some consumers are also trying to make their shopping experience more personal. For example, 35 percent of UK consumers have purchased clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who stores their size information. This allows them to avoid the return process and to purchase what they want faster.

Interestingly, UK customers are reported to be more willing to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because they are more used to the longer delivery times and have a better understanding of how long it takes for an item to arrive in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group

Shopping online in the UK is a very popular pastime for a lot of people. Accessories and clothing are the most sought-after purchases followed by groceries and entertainment such as music and movies. Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for shoppers. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to remember that online shoppers are diverse and this is why it is crucial for e-commerce businesses to understand what their customers are looking for when they purchase products. Additionally, it is also important to be aware of how much time each age group is spending shopping online. For instance the younger generation is far more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that the younger generation is time-poor and will make use of multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generations however tend to have more cautious buying habits and are less affected by the online ads. They also tend to visit high street stores to see and touch products before making purchases. But this doesn't mean that they will not buy online, as the convenience and ease of online shopping is attractive to them.

Another important aspect to consider when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and request free shipping on all their purchases. In addition, they are more likely to abandon their carts if they believe that shipping costs are prohibitive. Moreover 61% of those over 55 say they'll add more items to their carts to get to the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with gender

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

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.

Shoes and clothing are among the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online bought these items by 2020. However online sales aren't limited to the clothing sector, with a variety of other items available, such as kitchenware, jewellery, and sports goods.

In the process, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a way to find the best prices on these items. Some analysts estimate that by 2024 online sales could make up more than a third of all retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the growth of online shopping, while others are flourishing. In particular the rise of online sales for health, fashion, beauty, home and gardening, and consumer electronic.

In the near future the future, online shopping for these products is expected to increase. As the number of internet users is growing it is expected that online shopping will increase in popularity in the future. As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers must ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also provide a simple and secure checkout process.

5. online shopping figures uk shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European trusted online shopping sites for clothes retail market. When they shop online, the UK's consumers are influenced primarily by price, convenience and a variety of products. 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 increased dramatically because consumers were looking for safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic as consumers continue to choose online shopping as a viable alternative.

Shopping online is a large portion of the UK retail industry, with some estimates suggesting that it will account for one-third of all retail sales by 2024. This is due to the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and advances in technology.

In the UK 57% of shoppers who shop online cite convenience as the main reason they shop online. This is followed by 48% who say that it is easier to discover special deals and offers and 37% who claim that there's a wider selection of products that are available online. In Europe the majority of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor for their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Almost 25% of online shoppers have bought products they've never seen on the high street before, and half are willing to try new products when shopping on an online marketplace like Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this option in the last year.

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