Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings, the online retail market has grown steadily. This is particularly evident in the UK, where ecommerce represents 20% of retail sales.

Shopping online is a popular method for shoppers to explore brands and purchase. About 45% of customers prefer to "buy online and then pick it up at the store". This is a shift in consumer behavior that brick-and-mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's not difficult to see that sales of online retail in the UK have seen a significant increase over the past few years. According to the 2023 statistics, the B2C online market is expected to reach almost $120 billion by the end of the year. This growth is a result of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. As a result bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as more customers are turning to online stores for their purchases.

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

Of all the sectors of retail that are available, fashion is the most well-known with 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is probably due to a greater variety of products that are available and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is the second most popular with 16% of the sales made through e-commerce. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and the need to stay up-to-date with latest technology. Hobbies and leisure products are also a favorite purchase on the internet, accounting for 15% of all online sales.

When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. Then, 48% cited price comparison, while 37% of them said they were looking for discounts or special deals. These findings suggest that UK consumers are less influenced by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused upon convenience and a wide product selection.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a regular aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. Nearly half of UK residents aged 65 and older have made a purchase online in the last year. Shoppers can select from a wide range of payment options and decide when and how they want their products delivered.

Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact 57% of shoppers who shop online say that convenience is the primary motive behind their shopping. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as a advantage, while 37% cited a wider range of choices as well.

Online shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79% of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an environmentally ecologically friendly way.

In addition to reducing their environmental impact, a few consumers are also trying to make their shopping experiences more personal. For instance 35% of UK customers have purchased clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer who stores their size information. This lets them skip the return process and get what they want faster.

It is interesting to know that UK customers are reported to be more eager than ever before to wait for online orders. This could be because they are used to the slow delivery times and are more aware of how long it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK according to age group

Shopping online in the UK is a favorite pastime for many people. Clothes and accessories are the most popular items followed by groceries and media like movies and music. Online Shopping Figures Uk shopping is also very popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for shoppers. Comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse. This makes it essential for ecommerce businesses to understand what their target market is looking for when purchasing products. It is also crucial to know how much time each group of shoppers spends online. For instance the younger generation is more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because the younger generation is less time-conscious and uses a variety of devices to complete online tasks.

The older generations however tend to have more cautious buying habits and are less affected by advertisements on the internet. They also prefer visiting high-street stores to experience products before making a purchase. However, this doesn't mean they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping are still very appealing.

Another important 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 drop carts if shipping costs seem excessive. In addition 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart to get to the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

Men and women in the UK are equally likely to purchase items online. However women are more likely to make big purchases, such as furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are more likely to purchase fashion as well as health and beauty as well as home and garden and consumer electronics.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have shown that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way a retailer responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of them searching for brands that support and work closely with their local communities.

The most sought-after cheap online shopping uk clothes shopping items in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact, 62 percent of British women who shop online purchased these items by 2020. Online sales aren't just restricted to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewellery and sports items are also available.

Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular to find most affordable bargains. In fact, some experts predict that ecommerce sales will make up nearly one-third of all retail sales in 2024.

Some retailers are struggling with the growth of online shopping, while others are prospering. Online sales are booming in fashion, health and wellness, home and garden, and consumer electronics.

In the near future, online shopping for these products is expected to continue to grow. With the number of people with access to the internet increasing it is anticipated that more people will turn to online shopping in the near future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it's essential for retailers to make sure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and that they provide a secure and easy checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is one of the leading European ecommerce markets. When they shop online the British consumers are influenced primarily by price, convenience, and the wide variety of products. These factors make it an ideal spot for retailers who wish to invest in their web presence and offer a seamless shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales grew significantly as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued after the pandemic, as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a significant part of the UK retail industry Some estimates suggest that it will account for three-quarters of all retail sales in 2024. This growth is driven by increasing consumer adoption of ecommerce and advances in technology.

57 percent of UK online shoppers say that convenience is the main reason for them to shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find bargains and special deals as well as the 37% who claim that there's a greater selection of items available online are behind. In Europe more than half of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor for their decision to buy online.

Online shoppers are also willing to try new products and brands. Almost 25% of online shoppers have bought products they've never seen on the high-street previously, and a majority are eager to try new items when purchasing from an online marketplace like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond of the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this option in the last year.

A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also an important aspect of ecommerce. The majority of online shopping uk discount buyers (59 percent) will look up the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half will expect the seller to be responsible for the return and payment shipping.