Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retailers has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. This is especially evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands before purchasing and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick it up in stores". This is a change in consumer habits that brick-and mortar shops must be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no denying that online sales of merchandise have risen dramatically in the UK in recent years. According to data from 2023 the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by the year 2023. This growth is a result of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. As a result, bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as more customers prefer online retailers for their purchases.

With this in mind, it's crucial for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives customers to purchase online. To assist you in this, we've compiled a collection of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.

Of all the retail sectors that are available, fashion is the most well-known, accounting for 28 percent of all sales on e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to a wider selection of merchandise available and the convenience of being capable of trying on clothes without leaving the comfort of your 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 gadgets and a desire to keep up with the latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobby products account for 15% of all online sales.

When asked what factors drive customers to shop online, 57% of UK consumers said convenience was the primary reason. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison, and 37% who stated they were looking for special offers or discounts. These results suggest that consumers in the UK are less price driven than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a wide variety of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is a common part of the lives of many UK residents. It doesn't matter if it's for groceries, electronics or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over 65 have made an online purchase within the last year. Shoppers can pick from a variety of payment options, and decide when and how they want their products delivered.

Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% of people cite convenience as their primary reason for shopping online. Then, another 48% pointed to lower prices and 37% said they have a wider variety of options.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious with regards to their online shopping habits. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They can decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in a sustainable ecologically friendly way.

Certain consumers are looking to make their online shopping Figures Uk shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that has their size information stored. This allows them to bypass the return process and get what they want quicker.

Incredibly, UK consumers are reported to be more willing to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are more used to the longer delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for the item to be delivered via the mail.

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

Shopping online in the UK is a very popular pastime for many people. The most popular purchases are clothing and accessories, followed by groceries, and finally media such as music and movies. Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is due to the fact that people find these sales convenient. 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, which makes it essential for ecommerce businesses to understand the demographics their customers are seeking when they purchase products. It is also crucial to know how much time each type of consumer spends online. For instance the younger generation is more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is busy and uses multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generations are more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They also tend to go to stores in the high street to feel and see products before making a purchase. But this doesn't mean they don't shop online, as the convenience and ease of online shopping is still attractive to them.

Another interesting factor to consider when it concerns online shopping is that older generation is more likely to expect and demand free delivery on all purchases. They are also more likely to drop carts if shipping charges seem excessive. Additionally, 61% of those over 55 say they'll add additional items to their carts to reach the threshold of free delivery.

4. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with gender

Women and men in the UK are equally likely to purchase products on the internet. However, women are more likely to make large purchases, like electrical appliances or furniture than men. Both groups tend to spend more on fashion, 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. Studies have shown that 70% of consumers are influenced by how a retailer responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, Online Shopping figures uk with 69% searching for brands that support and work closely with their local communities.

Clothing and shoes are the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact, a whopping 62 percent of female British online shoppers bought these items in the year 2020. However online sales aren't limited to clothing and there are a myriad of other products available such as kitchenware, jewellery, and sports goods.

As a result, online shopping is becoming more popular as a method to find the most affordable prices on these items. Some experts predict that by 2024, online sales could make up nearly a third of retail sales.

While some retailers struggle to cope with the increase in online shopping, others are flourishing. In particular the rise of online sales for health, fashion, beauty gardening, home and garden, and consumer electronics.

The trend of buying online for these items is expected to continue to expand in the years ahead. As the number of internet users is growing, it is expected that online shop designer suits shopping will become more popular in the future. With the growing 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 simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is among the top European online marketplaces. The customers are influenced by the convenience, affordability and wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal place for retailers to invest in their online presence and offer an effortless shopping experience online.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales increased dramatically as consumers chose safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as a viable alternative.

Shopping online is a significant aspect of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it will account for one-third of sales by 2024. This growth is driven by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advances in technology.

57 percent of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the main reason why they shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find bargains and special offers, and the 37% who say there is a greater range of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe the majority of shoppers mention lower prices as a key factor in their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Online shoppers are open to trying new brands and products. Half of people are willing to try them when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a favorite option for UK shoppers, with 29% of online shoppers using the buy now pay later option in the past year.

Additionally, a robust online return policy is an essential aspect of the e-commerce landscape for the UK. A majority of online buyers (59 percent) check the return policy of the retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.