Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings, the online retail market has continued to grow. This is particularly evident 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% of them prefer to "buy online, then pick it up in stores". This is a shift in consumer behavior that brick-and-mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's not difficult to see that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly over the past few years. In fact, according to 2023's statistics, the B2C e-commerce market is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by the year 2023. This is because of shifting consumer habits and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as more customers are turning to online stores for their purchases.

In order to do this, it is important that both pureplay and omnichannel retailers understand what draws consumers to shop online. We've collected statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye opening and revealing to help you.

Of all the retail sectors, fashion is the most sought-after, accounting for 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a wider range of merchandise and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of the sales on e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets and which supermarket is cheapest for online shopping the need to keep up with the latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobby products account for 15% of all online sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% said it was because of convenience. Then, 48% mentioned price comparison and 37% stated that they were looking for discounts or special offers. These findings suggest that consumers in the UK are less influenced by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a broad variety of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online has become a daily part of life for many UK residents. It doesn't matter if it's for electronics, groceries or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over 65 have made an online purchase in the last year. With a wide variety of payment options buyers can also pick how and when they want their purchases to be delivered.

Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons why shoppers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as their primary reason for shopping online. Additionally, 48% pointed to lower prices, while 37% mentioned a greater choice of options.

The shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. For instance 79% of UK online shoppers say they recycle boxes and other packaging materials that they use in their purchases. They may even take action if think their purchases aren't coming in environmentally friendly packaging.

In addition to decreasing their impact on the environment, some customers are also seeking to make their online shopping experiences more personal. For example 35% of UK shoppers have bought clothing or footwear from a retailer with their size information stored on the file. This lets them bypass the return process and get what they want quicker.

It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more willing to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with the age group

Shopping online in the UK is a favorite pastime for a large number of people. Accessories and clothing are the most popular items followed by groceries and media like music and movies. Online shopping is also very popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These sales are extremely convenient for shoppers. Online comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It which supermarket is Cheapest for online shopping crucial to understand that online shoppers are a diverse group. This is why it is crucial for ecommerce companies to understand the demographics their customers are searching for when buying products. It is also crucial to understand how much time each group of shoppers spends online. For example the younger generation is more likely to shop using mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very busy and uses multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generation tends to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They also prefer visiting high-end stores to feel and touch products before making a final decision. This doesn't mean that they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online remain very appealing.

Another interesting aspect to think about when it is about online shopping is that older generation is more likely to expect and demand free delivery on all purchases. Additionally they are more likely to abandon their carts if they believe that shipping costs are prohibitive. In addition, 61% of those over 55 claim that they will add more items to their carts to meet the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with gender

Men and women in the UK are equally likely to purchase goods on the internet. However, women are more likely to make big purchases, such as electrical appliances or furniture than men. Both groups are more likely to purchase clothing products, home and garden items, consumer electronics, and cosmetics and health products.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have revealed that 70% of shoppers are influenced by how a retailer responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 69% of these seeking out brands that are supportive of and collaborate with their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are among the most popular products for online shopping in the UK. In fact, 62% of British women who shop online purchased these items by 2020. However online sales aren't limited to the clothing sector, with a variety of other products available like kitchenware, jewellery and which supermarket Is cheapest for online shopping sports goods.

As a result, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to get the best deals on these items. In fact, some analysts have predicted that online sales will account for almost 1/3 of all retail sales in 2024.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping, whereas others are thriving. Online sales are growing in fashion, health and wellness, home and garden, and consumer electronic.

The trend for buying online for these items is likely to continue to grow in the years ahead. As the number of internet users continues to grow, it is expected that online shopping will become more popular in the future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is crucial for retailers to ensure that their sites are optimized for mobile devices and provide a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is one of the most important European eCommerce markets. Its consumers are influenced by the convenience, affordability and vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal place for retailers who want to improve their online presence and offer an easy shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales grew significantly because consumers were looking for secure and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic as consumers continue to use online shopping as a viable alternative.

Shopping online is a significant aspect of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it could account for three-quarters of retail sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advancements in technology.

57 percent of UK online shoppers say that convenience is the primary reason they shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who say that it is easier to find special offers and deals, and 37% of shoppers say there is a wider range of products that are available online. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers mention lower prices as a key reason for them to buy online.

Online shoppers are also willing to test new brands and products. About 25% of online shoppers have purchased products that they've never seen in a store previously, and a majority are eager to try new products when shopping on an online marketplace like Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have used this option during the last year.

A strong online return policy for the UK is also a key aspect of ecommerce. The majority of online buyers (59%) will check the return policy of a retailer prior to buying online from uk to ireland, and nearly half will expect a retailer to be responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping.