online shopping figures uk Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Many consumers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing, and 45% like to "buy online, then pick up in store". This is a shift in consumer habits that brick-and mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Retail sales online in the UK

It's not a secret that sales on retail websites have increased significantly in the UK in recent years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C online market is predicted to grow to $120 billion by the end of the year. This growth is a result of changing consumer shopping patterns and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Bricks and mortar shops are losing popularity as customers increasingly shop online.

To achieve this, it is important that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers know what drives consumers to shop online. We've put together retail sales figures and stats that are both eye opening and informative to assist you.

Of all the sectors of retail of which fashion is the most sought-after and accounts for 28 percent of all sales made through e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a wider selection of products and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is second with 16% of the sales made through e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant need for new gadgets and the desire to stay up-to-date with latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobby products represent 15% of all online sales.

When asked what drives consumers to shop online 57 percent of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. Then, 48% mentioned price comparison, while 37% stated that 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 upon convenience and a broad product selection.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a regular part of the lives of many UK consumers. It doesn't matter if it's for electronics, groceries, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over 65 have made a purchase on the internet in the past year alone. Shoppers can choose from a range of payment options and also decide when and how they want their products delivered.

Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons shoppers shop online. In fact, 57% cite convenience as their main reason for purchasing online. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as a advantage, while 37% cited a wider range of choices as well.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious in their online shopping habits. 79 percent of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may even take action if they feel their deliveries are not being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.

Certain consumers want to make their online shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, 35% of UK customers have purchased clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer who stores their size information. This allows them to avoid the return process and obtain what they want faster.

It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more willing than ever before to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that UK customers are more used to the slower delivery time and are aware of how long it takes to receive an item via 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. Accessories and clothing are the most sought-after purchases followed by groceries and media such as movies and music. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. This is due to the fact that customers find these sales to be extremely convenient. Online comparisons of prices and products are also possible when purchasing these items.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are diverse, which makes it essential for ecommerce businesses to understand the demographics their customers are looking for when it comes to purchasing products. Additionally, it is also important to be aware of how much time each age group is spending shopping online. The younger generation, for instance, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is time-poor and will use multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation however tend to have more cautious purchasing habits and are less swayed by advertisements on the internet. They are also more likely to go to stores in the high street to feel and see items before making a purchase. However, this doesn't mean they don't shop online, as the convenience and ease of online shopping is still extremely appealing to them.

Another important aspect to take into consideration 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 leave 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 by gender

In the UK both genders are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases like furniture and electrical appliances. Both groups are more likely to purchase fashion as well as health and beauty, home and garden, and consumer electronics products.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have found that 70% of consumers are influenced by how the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 69% searching for brands that support and collaborate with their local communities.

The most sought-after online shopping products in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online will purchase these items by 2020. However, online sales aren't restricted to clothing, with a variety of other products on sale, including jewellery, kitchenware, and sports goods.

Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular to find best bargains. In fact, some analysts predict that e-commerce sales will make up nearly one-third of all retail sales by 2024.

While some retailers are struggling to deal with the rise in online shopping, others are flourishing. Online sales are growing in fashion, health and wellness as well as home and garden and consumer electronic.

The trend of purchasing these items online is expected to continue to increase in the years ahead. As the number of people who use the internet increases it is expected that online shopping will become more popular in the 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 a leading European ecommerce market. Its consumers are influenced by convenience, price and a vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it a perfect location for retailers to build their online presence and offer a seamless online shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales increased significantly as people opted for secure and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic as consumers continue to use online shopping as an attractive alternative.

Shopping online is a significant component of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it will make up a third of retail sales by 2024. This is because of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by consumers as well as technological advancements.

57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the main reason why they shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who state that it is easier to find special offers and deals as well as 37% who say there is a wider range of products that are available online. This contrasts with Europe where a higher proportion of shoppers stated lower prices as the key driver for Online Shopping Figures uk their decision to shop online.

The online clothes shopping near me shoppers are also keen to test new brands and products. Online consumers are open to trying new brands and products. Half of them are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online have made use of this method in the past year.

In addition to this, a robust online return policy is an essential aspect of the ecommerce landscape in the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) look up a retailer's return policy before buying, and more than half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.