Online Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Shopping online is a common method for consumers to research brands and make purchases. About 45% of customers prefer to "buy online and pick up at the store". This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's not difficult to see that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. According to data from 2023 the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by next year. This growth is fueled by changing consumer shopping habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result bricks and mortar stores are experiencing a decline in popularity as more customers are turning to online retailers to make their purchases.

To do this, it is important that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers understand what motivates customers to buy online. To help you do this, we've created an assortment of sales figures and statistics that are both eye-opening as well as informative.

Fashion is the most sought-after retail sector in the UK with 28 percent of all ecommerce sales. This is likely due to the wide variety of items and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is probably 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 popular items to purchase online, with 15% of all online sales.

When asked what drives customers to shop online, 57% of UK consumers said convenience was the primary reason. Then, 48% cited price comparison while 37% said they were seeking discounts or special offers. These findings indicate that UK shoppers are less price-driven than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a wide selection.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping is now a regular part of life for many UK residents. More than half of UK residents aged 65 or older have made an online purchase in the last year. With a wide variety of payment options, shoppers can also choose the best online shopping groceries uk time and method for their items to be delivered.

Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons why customers shop online shopping figures uk. In fact, 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary motive behind their shopping. Additionally, 48% pointed to lower prices while 37% cited a wider variety of options.

The habits of online shopping among UK consumers are also becoming more eco-conscious. 79% of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may take action if their orders are not packaged in a sustainable green manner.

In addition to decreasing their environmental impact, a few customers are also seeking to make their shopping experience more personal. For example, 35% of UK customers have purchased clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who has their size information stored. This lets them to avoid the return process, and to purchase what they want faster.

Interestingly, UK consumers are reported to be more willing to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be due to the fact that UK customers are more used to the slower delivery time and are aware of the length of time it takes to receive an item via the mail.

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

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

It is essential to realize that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This is why it is crucial for online retailers to know what their target audience is looking for when purchasing products. It is also important to know how long each segment of customers spends online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other group. This is due to the fact that this age group is busy and uses multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation however tend to have more cautious purchasing habits and are less affected by online advertising. They are also more likely to visit high street stores to look at and feel products prior to making a purchase. However, this doesn't mean that they will not buy online, as the convenience and stress-free nature of online shopping is still extremely appealing to them.

Another interesting aspect to take into consideration when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and request free shipping on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts when shipping costs appear excessive. Additionally, 61% of over 55s say they'll add additional items to their shopping carts in order to reach a free delivery threshold.

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 major purchases such as furniture and electrical appliances. Both groups tend to spend more on clothing, home and garden products, consumer electronics, and products for beauty and health.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to research 70% of shoppers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 outbreak. 69% of those shoppers searched for brands that were supportive and worked closely with their local communities.

Clothing and shoes are the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact 62% of British women who shop online will purchase these items by the year 2020. Online sales aren't just restricted to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports goods are also available.

This is why online shopping is becoming more popular as a method to find the most affordable prices on these products. Some analysts estimate that by 2024 ecommerce sales could account for more than a third of all retail sales.

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

The trend of buying these products online is expected to continue to expand in the coming years. As the number of internet users increases it is expected that online shopping will increase in popularity in the near future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is important for retailers to ensure 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 among the most important European eCommerce markets. When they shop online the customers of the UK are mostly influenced by price, convenience, and a variety of products. These factors make it a great spot for retailers who wish to improve their web presence and offer a seamless shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales increased dramatically as people opted for secure and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued even after the pandemic as consumers continue to shop online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a major part of UK retail, and some estimates suggest that it could comprise a third of retail sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and advancements in technology.

In the UK 57% of shoppers who shop online cite convenience as the main reason for them to shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who highlight that it is easier to find deals and special offers as well as 37% who claim that there's a wider selection of products that are available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers cite lower prices as a key reason for them to purchase online.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Online customers are willing to try new brands and products. Half of people are willing to do so when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this method in the last year.

A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also a key aspect of e-commerce. The majority of online buyers (59 percent) will research the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and a majority will expect a retailer to be responsible for both arranging and paying for return shipping.