Online Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Shopping online is a popular method for shoppers to research brands and make purchases. About 45% of them prefer to "buy online and then pick it up in store". This is an interesting change in the way people shop that bricks-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online sales of retail in the UK

It's no secret that online retail sales in the UK have seen a significant increase in the last few years. According to data from 2023, the B2C market for online shopping is expected to grow to $120 billion by the end of the year. This increase is the result of changing consumer shopping patterns and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. As a result bricks and mortar shops are seeing a decline in popularity as more shoppers prefer online retailers for their purchases.

With this in mind, it's crucial for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives shoppers to buy online. To help you understand this, we've put together an assortment of sales figures and statistics that are both eye-opening and revealing.

Of all the retail industries, fashion is the most popular with 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is likely due to the wide range of merchandise and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the constant need for new technology as well as the desire to keep up with the most recent technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products account for 15% of all ecommerce sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. Then, 48% mentioned price comparison and 37% stated that they were looking for discounts or special deals. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less influenced by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a large product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a part of the daily routine for many UK consumers. Whether it's to buy electronic gadgets, groceries 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. With a variety of payment options available customers can also decide the time and date they would like their items to be delivered.

Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons why consumers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers who shop online cite convenience as the main driver behind their shopping habits. Another 48% cited lower prices, while 37% mentioned a greater choice of options.

UK consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious when it comes to their shopping online. For example, 79 percent of UK online shoppers report recycling boxes and other packaging materials from their purchases. They can 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 example 35 percent of UK consumers have purchased clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer who has their size information stored. This lets them to avoid the return process, and get what they need quicker.

It is interesting to know that UK shoppers have been reported to be more eager than ever before to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that they are more used to the slow delivery times and have a better understanding 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 very popular pastime for many people. The most sought-after purchases are clothing 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 sales are extremely convenient for consumers. It is also easy to compare prices and items online when making these types of purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are a diverse group. This is why it is crucial for ecommerce companies to understand the type of customer they are searching for shopping online when buying products. In addition to this it is crucial to be aware of how much time each age group is spending shopping online. For instance, the younger generation is far more likely to shop using mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is busy and uses multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation are, however, likely to have more conservative purchasing habits and are less influenced by online advertising. They also prefer visiting shops in the high street to touch and feel products before making a final decision. This doesn't mean that they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online remain very appealing.

A second interesting factor to be considered when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to expect and request free shipping on all their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts if shipping charges seem excessive. Moreover 61% of those over 55 say they will add more items to their shopping carts in order to get to the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK depending on gender

Men and women in the UK are equally likely to purchase products on the internet. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases such as electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups tend to spend more on clothing household 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. Studies have shown that 70% of consumers are influenced by how the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of them seeking out brands that are supportive of and work closely with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping products in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact, a whopping 62 percent of female British online shoppers bought these items in the year 2020. Online sales are not only limited to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports items are also available.

Shopping online shopping sites list for clothes has become more popular for finding the best deals. Some analysts estimate that by 2024 ecommerce sales could account for nearly a third of retail sales.

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

The trend of purchasing these products online is expected to continue to expand in the years ahead. With the number of people with access to the internet continuing to increase It is expected that more increasing numbers of people will be turning to online shopping in the coming years. As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers must ensure that their sites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European ecommerce market. When shopping online the customers of the UK are mostly influenced by convenience, price, and the variety of items. These factors make it a perfect opportunity for retailers to build their online presence and provide an easy online shopping experience.

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

Shopping online is a large component of the UK retail economy Some estimates suggest that it could account for a third of all retail sales in 2024. This growth is a result of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by customers and technological advancements.

In the UK 57% of shoppers who shop online clothes shopping websites uk say convenience is the primary factor driving them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who say that it is easier to discover special deals and offers as well as 37% who say there's a greater variety of products available online. In Europe more than half of consumers cite lower prices as a key factor for their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Nearly 25% of shoppers online have bought products they've never seen on the high street previously, and a majority are willing to try new products when shopping on an online marketplace like Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a favorite option for UK customers with 29 percent of shoppers using a buy now, pay later option in the last year.

A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also a crucial aspect of ecommerce. A majority of online buyers (59%) check the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half of them expect the seller to arrange and pay for return shipping.