Online Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Many people shop online to research brands before making a purchase and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick up in stores". This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should take note of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no denying that retail sales online have grown substantially in the UK over recent years. According to the 2023 statistics, the B2C online market is predicted to reach almost $120 billion by the end of the year. This is because of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end bricks and mortar shops are losing popularity as more consumers prefer online retailers to make their purchases.

In order to do this, it is important that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers understand what motivates customers to buy online. We've put together statistics and figures on retail sales that are both eye opening and revealing to help you.

Fashion is the most popular retail sector in the UK with 28 percent of all ecommerce sales. This is likely due to the wider range of products accessible and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without having to leave 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 the latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobby products make up 15% of all ecommerce sales.

When asked what factors drive shoppers to shop online, 57% of UK consumers said convenience was the primary driver. Then, 48% mentioned price comparison, while 37% said they were looking for discounts or special offers. These results suggest that consumers in the UK are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and Vimeo a wide variety of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is a common part of life for many UK residents. Be it for groceries, electronics or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over 65 have made an online purchase within the last year. With a Extra Wide Blackout Curtains variety of payment options buyers can also pick how and when they want their goods to be delivered.

There are many motives to shop online Some of the most popular are convenience price, availability, and price. In fact 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main driver behind their shopping habits. Additionally, 48% cited lower prices while 37% said they have a wider selection of choices.

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

In addition to reducing their environmental impact, a few customers are also seeking to make their shopping experience more personal. For example 35 percent of UK shoppers have bought clothing or footwear from a retailer that has their size information on file. This allows them to bypass the return process and obtain what they want faster.

Interestingly, UK customers 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 they are used to the slower delivery times and have a better understanding of how long it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.

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

Online shopping is very popular in the UK. Clothes and accessories are the most popular items followed by groceries and entertainment such as music and movies. Shopping online is very popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These events are very practical for shoppers. It is also simple to compare prices and products online when making these kinds of purchases.

It is essential to realize that online shoppers are a diverse group. This makes it vital for ecommerce companies to understand the type of customer they are searching for when buying products. It is also essential to know how long each group of shoppers spends online. For example the younger generation is more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generations however tend to have more cautious purchasing habits and are less swayed by online advertising. They are also more likely to visit stores on the high street to feel and see items before making an purchase. But this doesn't mean they don't shop online due to the convenience and stress-free nature of online shopping remains extremely appealing to them.

Another important aspect to be considered when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and demand free shipping on all their purchases. In addition, they tend to drop their carts when they believe that shipping costs are too high. In addition, 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart in order 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. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases such as electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups are more likely to buy fashion, home and garden products, consumer electronics, and cosmetics and health products.

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 crisis. 69% of those shoppers looked for brands that supported and collaborated with their local community.

The most sought-after online shopping items in the UK are footwear and clothing. In fact, a whopping 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. However, online sales aren't restricted to the clothing sector, with a variety of other items available, like kitchenware, jewellery and sports equipment.

In the process, online shopping is becoming more popular as a method to find the best prices on these products. Some experts estimate that by 2024 the sales from e-commerce could be almost one third of retail sales.

While some retailers struggle to cope with the increase in online shopping, other are thriving. In particular the rise of online sales for fashion, health and beauty, home and gardening as well as consumer electronic.

In the near future the future, online shopping for these products is expected to increase. As the number of internet users increases, it is expected that online shopping will increase in popularity in the near future. As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers must ensure that their sites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK, by region

The UK is among the most important European ecommerce markets. When shopping online the British consumers are influenced by price, convenience, and a variety of products. These factors make it a perfect opportunity for retailers to improve their online presence and offer a seamless online shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales increased dramatically as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued even after the pandemic as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a significant portion of the UK retail market, with some estimates suggesting that it will account for three-quarters of all retail sales in 2024. This is due to the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advances in technology.

57 percent of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find bargains and special offers as well as the 37% who say there's a wider selection of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers mention the lower cost as a primary factor for their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Almost a quarter of online shoppers have bought items they've never seen in a store previously, and a majority are willing to test new products when shopping on the marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond of the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have used this option in the past year.

In addition to this, a robust online return policy is a vital aspect of the ecommerce landscape for the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59%) will research 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.