Online Shopping Figures For the UK
Since its humble beginnings the market for online shopping has grown steadily. This is especially evident in the UK, where ecommerce represents 20% of all retail sales.
Many people shop online to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% prefer to “buy online, then pick up in store”. This is a change in consumer habits that brick-and mortar shops should be aware of.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It’s no secret that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C online market is predicted to reach almost $120 billion by the end of the year. This is because of changing consumer shopping patterns and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Bricks and mortar shops are gaining popularity as shoppers increasingly prefer online retailers.
With this in mind, it’s important for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to know what motivates consumers to buy online. To help you do this, we’ve compiled an assortment of sales figures and online shopping Figures uk other statistics that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.
Fashion is the most favored retail industry in the UK accounting for 28 percent of all online sales. This is likely due to the wide variety of items and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving your home. Electronics is the second most popular with 16% of all e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the constant need for new technology, as well as the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products represent 15% of all online sales.
When asked about the factors that drive shoppers to shop online, 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. Then, 48% cited price comparison, while 37% said they were seeking discounts or special deals. These findings 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 aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. Be it for electronic gadgets, groceries or clothes – nearly half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online in the past year alone. Shoppers can select from a range of payment options, and decide the time and method they’d like their items delivered.
Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons customers shop online. 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.
Online shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They could take action if their orders are not packaged in an environmentally friendly manner.
Certain consumers wish to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also reduce their carbon footprint. For example, 35% of UK shoppers have bought clothes, footwear, or accessories from a store that has their size information stored on file. This lets them skip the return process and get what they need faster.
It is interesting to note that UK customers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because they are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and have a better understanding of the time it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group
Online shopping in the UK is a favorite pastime for a lot of people. Accessories and clothing are the most sought-after purchases followed by groceries and media such as music and movies. Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These sales are extremely convenient for shoppers. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.
It is crucial to remember that online shoppers are diverse and this is why it is crucial for e-commerce companies to know what their customers are seeking when it comes to purchasing products. In addition, it is also important to be aware of the amount of time each age group spends shopping online. The younger generation, for example is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is because the younger generation is less time-conscious and will make use of multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.
The older generation tends to be more conservative in their purchasing habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They also prefer to go to high-end stores to experience products before making a purchase. 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 the older generations are more likely to anticipate and demand free delivery on all purchases. They are also more likely to drop carts if shipping costs seem excessive. Moreover, 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart to reach the free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender
In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. However women are more likely to make big purchases, like electrical appliances or furniture than men. Both groups are also more likely to shop for fashion as well as health and beauty as well as home and garden and consumer electronics.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to research 70% of shoppers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 epidemic. 69% of customers were looking for brands that backed and were in close contact with their local community.
The most sought-after online purchasing products in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact 62% of British women who shop online purchased these items by the year 2020. online shopping figures Uk sales aren’t just only limited to clothing. Other products such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports goods are also available.
Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular to find best deals. In fact, some analysts predict that online sales will account for almost one third of all retail sales in 2024.
Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, whereas others are prospering. Particularly the online market is booming for health, fashion, beauty gardening, home and garden and consumer electronic.
The trend of purchasing online for these items is likely to continue to grow in the years ahead. As the number of internet users increases it is anticipated that online shopping will increase in popularity in the future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it’s crucial for retailers to ensure that their websites 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 a major European ecommerce market. Its consumers are influenced by convenience, price and a vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal location for retailers to improve their online presence and offer an effortless shopping experience online.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales grew significantly as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to use online shopping as a viable alternative.
Shopping online is a large component of the UK retail market Some estimates suggest that it could account for a third of all retail sales by 2024. This increase is the result of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by customers and technological advances.
57% of UK online shopping uk electronics shoppers believe that convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who state that it is easier to find deals and special offers as well as 37% who say there’s a wider selection of products available online. This is in contrast to Europe where a larger percentage of shoppers said that lower prices were the main reason behind their decision to shop online.
Online shoppers are also willing to try new products and brands. Online consumers 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 common choice for UK shoppers with 29% of online shoppers using a buy now, pay later option in the last year.
Additionally, a robust online return policy is an essential aspect of the ecommerce landscape for the UK. The majority of buyers (59%) look up the return policy of a retailer prior Online shopping Figures uk to buying, and more than half of them expect the seller to arrange and pay for return shipping.