Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retailers has grown continuously since its inception. This is especially evident in the UK where e-commerce is responsible for 20% of all retail sales.

Many consumers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick it up in stores". This is an interesting change in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.

1. Retail sales online in the UK

It's no secret that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C market for online shopping is expected to reach $120 billion in the next year. This growth is driven by changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result bricks and mortar shops are experiencing a decline in popularity as more shoppers turn to online stores for their purchases.

In order to do this, it is important that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers understand what draws shoppers to purchase online. To help you do this, we've put together an assortment of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as revealing.

Of all the retail industries that are available, fashion is the most popular, accounting for 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is probably due to a greater variety of items available and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without having to leave Home Decor Photo Frame. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of the sales on e-commerce. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and a desire to stay up-to-date with most recent technology. Hobbies and leisure products are also a popular purchase online, accounting for 15% of all online sales.

When asked what factors drive shoppers to shop online, 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. This is followed by 48% who mentioned price comparison and 37% stated they were looking for 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

Online shopping is becoming a part of daily life for many UK customers. Whether it's to buy electronics, groceries or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase on the internet in the past year alone. With a wide variety of payment options customers can also decide the best time and method for their goods to be delivered.

Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as the primary reason to shop online. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as another advantage, while 37% cited an increased selection of options.

Online shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming more eco-conscious. 79 percent of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in an eco friendly manner.

Certain consumers wish to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact but also reduce their carbon footprint. For example 35% of UK customers have bought clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that has their size information stored. This allows them to avoid the return process and to get what they want faster.

Interestingly, UK consumers 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 British shoppers are more accustomed to the slower delivery time and are aware of how long it takes to receive an item through the mail.

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

Shopping online in the UK is a popular activity for many people. Clothing and accessories are among the most popular purchases followed by food items, and media like music and movies. Shopping online is very popular in the UK, especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These events are extremely convenient for consumers. Comparisons of products and prices are also possible when purchasing these items.

It is important to note that online shoppers are very diverse and this is why it is crucial for e-commerce companies to know the demographics their customers are seeking when purchasing products. In addition, it is also important to be aware of the amount of time each age group is spending shopping online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is due to the fact that this age group is very time-poor and will use multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generations however tend to have more shrewd buying habits and are less swayed by advertisements on the internet. They also tend to visit stores on the high street to see and touch items before making an purchase. But this doesn't mean they will not buy online, as the convenience and ease of online shopping is still attractive to them.

A second interesting factor to be considered when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to expect and demand free shipping on all their purchases. Additionally, they tend to drop their carts if they believe that shipping costs are prohibitive. 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.

Electroplated Silicone Case Pixel 4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases such as electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups are more likely to buy clothing household and garden products, consumer electronics, and health and beauty products.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have found that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of them looking for brands that support 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 female British online shoppers purchased these items in 2020. However online sales aren't limited to clothing, with a variety of other products on sale, such as kitchenware, jewellery, and sports goods.

As a result, online shopping is becoming more popular as a method to get the best deals on these items. In fact, some experts predict that online sales will account for almost one-third of all retail sales by 2024.

While some retailers struggle to cope with the increase in online sales, others are thriving. Online sales are growing in health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronics.

The trend for buying these items online is likely 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 increase in popularity in the future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it is essential for retailers to make sure their websites are optimized for mobile devices and offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is among the leading European ecommerce markets. The customers are influenced by the ease of shopping, the price and a vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it a great place for retailers to improve their online presence and offer an easy online shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales grew dramatically as consumers chose safer and more convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued following the outbreak as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a significant portion of the UK retail market Some estimates suggest that it could account for three-quarters of all retail sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and advancements in technology.

57% of UK online shoppers say that convenience is the primary reason why they shop online. This is followed by 48% who say that it is easier to find deals and special offers as well as 37% of shoppers say there is a wider range of merchandise available online. In Europe the majority of shoppers cite lower prices as a major factor for their decision to buy online.

The online shoppers are also keen to try new products and brands. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of consumers are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a popular choice for UK shoppers, with 29 percent of shoppers using the buy now pay later option in the past year.

In addition to this, a robust online return policy is a vital aspect of the online shopping environment in the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59%) check a retailer's return policy before purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.