Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy the market for online shopping has continued to grow. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

Shopping online is a popular method for consumers to look up brands and make purchases. About 45% of customers prefer to "buy online and pick up in store". This is an interesting change in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online sales of retail in the UK

There's no denying that online sales of merchandise have grown substantially in the UK in recent years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C online market is predicted to reach almost $120 billion in the next year. This growth is a result of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end, bricks and mortar stores are seeing a decline in popularity as more shoppers are turning to online stores for their purchases.

With this in mind, it's important for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to understand what drives consumers to buy online. To help you do this, we've created an assortment of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening and shocking.

Fashion is the most popular retail sector in the UK with 28 percent of all ecommerce sales. This is likely due to a wider selection of products that are available and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without leaving the comfort of your home. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with latest technology. Hobbies and leisure items are also a favorite purchase online, accounting for 15% of all online sales.

When asked what drives shoppers to shop online 57% of UK customers cited convenience as the primary reason. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison, while 37% of them said they were looking for discounts or special offers. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less price driven than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a large variety of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is becoming regular part of the lives of many UK customers. More than half of UK people aged 65 and older have made an online purchase in the past year. Shoppers can select from a variety of payment options and also choose when and how they want their items delivered.

Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons why consumers 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 benefit and 37% noted the availability of more choices as well.

The shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming more eco-conscious. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may even take action if think their purchases aren't being delivered in environmentally friendly packaging.

Some consumers are looking to make their online 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 bought clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer who has their size information saved. This lets them bypass the return process and get what they want faster.

It is interesting to note that UK customers are reported to be more eager than ever to wait for online orders. This may be because they are used to the slow delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for an item to arrive in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK depending on the age group

Online shopping in the UK is a very popular pastime for a lot of people. Clothes and accessories are the most sought-after purchases followed by groceries and media such as music and movies. Online shopping is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for consumers. It is also easy to compare prices and products on the internet when making these kinds of purchases.

It is important to note that online shoppers are very diverse. This makes it essential for ecommerce companies to know the demographics their customers are seeking when it comes to purchasing products. In addition it is important to be aware of the amount of time each age group spends shopping online. For example the younger generation is more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very time-poor and will use multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generations are more sceptical about their buying habits and less influenced by online advertisements. They also tend to go to stores in the high street to look at and feel items before making a purchase. But this doesn't mean they will not buy online due to the convenience and ease of use of online shopping is attractive to them.

Another interesting factor to consider when it concerns online shopping is that the older generation is more likely to expect and demand free delivery on all their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts if shipping charges seem excessive. In addition, 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart in order to meet a free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK depending on gender

Women and men in the UK are equally likely to shop for goods on the internet. However, women are more likely to make big purchases, like furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups tend to spend more on 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. According to studies 70% of consumers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 outbreak. 69% of customers searched for brands that were supportive and were in close contact with their local community.

Shoes and clothing are among the most requested items for online shopping in the UK. In fact, a whopping 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. Online sales aren't limited to clothing. Other items like jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.

As a result, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a way to get the best deals on these items. Some analysts believe that by 2024, online sales could make up almost one third of retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, whereas others are flourishing. In particular the online market is booming for fashion, health and beauty gardening, home and garden as well as consumer electronic.

In the future the online shopping market for these products is expected to continue to grow. As the number of internet users is growing it is anticipated that online shopping will increase in popularity in the future. As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers should ensure that their websites 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 leading European online marketplace. When they shop online, the UK's consumers are mostly influenced by price, convenience, and a variety of products. These factors make it a perfect place for retailers to build their online presence and provide a seamless online shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, Online Shopping Figures Uk online sales grew dramatically as consumers chose safe and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued even after the pandemic, as consumers continue to buy online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a major aspect of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it could account for three-quarters of retail sales by 2024. This increase is the result of the increasing adoption of ecommerce by consumers and technological advances.

In the UK, 57% of shoppers who shop online say convenience is the primary reason they shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who state that it is easier to discover special deals and offers as well as 37% who claim that there's a greater variety of products available online. This contrasts with Europe where a higher proportion of shoppers stated lower prices as the key driver for their purchase online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. About 25% of shoppers online have bought items they've never purchased in a store before, and half are willing to test new items when purchasing from an online marketplace like Amazon. Pay-as-you-go 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 solid return policy for Online Shopping Figures Uk purchases for the UK is also an important aspect of ecommerce. The majority of shoppers (59 percent) will research the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and a majority will expect the retailer to be responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping.