Online Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Many people shop online to research brands prior to purchasing, and 45% like to "buy online, pick up in store". This is a shift in consumer behavior that brick-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no doubt that online sales of merchandise have risen dramatically in the UK in recent years. In fact, according to data from 2023 the B2C market for e-commerce is set to hit almost $120 billion by the year 2023. This growth is due to changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Brick and mortar shops are losing popularity as consumers increasingly shop online.

With this in mind, it's essential for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to know what motivates consumers to buy online. We've put together statistics and figures on retail sales that are both eye-opening and informative to assist you.

Of all the sectors of retail, fashion is the most sought-after and accounts for 28 percent of all sales on e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the wide selection of products and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving your home. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is due to the constant need for new technology as well as the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. Hobbies and leisure products are also a favorite purchase online, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked what drives customers to shop online 57% of UK consumers said convenience was the main reason. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison and 37% said they were seeking special discounts or offers. 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 selection of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is a common part of the lives of many UK residents. Be it for electronic gadgets, groceries or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made an online purchase in the past year alone. Shoppers can pick from a variety of payment options and also decide when and how their products delivered.

There are many reasons to shop online, some of the most common include convenience price, availability, and price. In fact, 57% of people cite convenience as their primary reason for shopping online. Then, 48% cited lower prices as a benefit, while 37% mentioned an increased selection of choices as well.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious in their shopping online. For example 79% of UK online shoppers report that they recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their purchases. They might even take action if believe that their packages are not being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.

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

Interestingly, UK shoppers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because UK customers are more used to the slow delivery times and know the length of time it takes to receive an item via the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK by the age group

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. The most sought-after purchases are clothes and accessories followed by groceries and then media like movies and music. Shopping online is very popular in the UK, especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These sales are extremely practical for shoppers. It is also easy to compare prices and products online when making these kinds of purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are a diverse group. This makes it essential for online retailers to know the demographics their customers are searching for when buying products. In addition it is crucial to be aware of how much time each age group spends shopping online. The younger generation, for example, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other group. This is because the younger generation is time-poor and will make use of multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generation on the other hand tend to have more conservative purchasing habits and are less affected by advertisements on the internet. They are also more likely to visit high street stores to feel and see items before making an purchase. This doesn't mean that they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping are still very appealing.

Another important aspect to consider when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and expect free shipping on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts when shipping costs appear excessive. In addition, 61% of people over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart in order to get the threshold of free delivery.

4. Online shopping in the UK depending on gender

Both genders in the UK are equally likely to purchase items on the internet. However, women are more likely to make large purchases, like electrical appliances or furniture than men. Both groups are more likely to purchase clothing household 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 research, 70% of shoppers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 outbreak. 69% of these customers searched Tape For General Use brands that were supportive and worked closely with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping items in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact, 62 percent of female British online shoppers purchased these items in 2020. Online sales aren't just restricted to clothing. Other items such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports goods are also available.

Online shopping is becoming more popular for finding the best deals. In fact, some analysts have predicted that e-commerce sales will make up nearly one-third of all retail sales in 2024.

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

The trend for buying online for these items is likely to continue to increase in the coming years. As the number of internet users continues to grow it is expected that online shopping will become more popular in the near future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it's essential for retailers to make sure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and that they offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK, by region

The UK is among the most important European online marketplaces. Its consumers are influenced by the convenience, affordability and variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it a perfect opportunity for retailers to build their online presence and offer an effortless shopping experience online.

During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew dramatically as people sought out 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 part of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it could make up a third of retail sales by 2024. This growth is a result of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by consumers as well as technological advances.

In the UK, 57% of shoppers who shop online cite convenience as the main reason for them to shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find bargains and special deals, healthy hip and joint dog treats the 37% who say that there's a greater selection of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor for their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Almost a quarter of online shoppers have bought items they have never bought on the high-street previously, and a majority are eager to try new products when they shop on a marketplace like Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online have used this option in the past year.

Additionally, a robust online return policy is a vital aspect of the ecommerce landscape in the UK. The majority of online buyers (59%) will look up the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half will expect the seller to be responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping.