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 all retail sales.

Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% of them prefer to "buy online, then pick up in store". This is a fascinating shift in the way people shop that bricks-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online sales of retail in the UK

There's no doubt that online sales of merchandise have increased significantly in the UK over recent years. According to the 2023 statistics, the B2C online market is expected to reach almost $120 billion next year. This growth is driven by changing consumer shopping habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. In the end bricks and mortar shops are seeing a decline in popularity as more consumers turn to online retailers to make their purchases.

With this in mind, it's important for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives consumers to buy online. To help you understand this, we've put together an assortment of retail sales figures and other statistics that are both eye-opening and revealing.

Fashion is the most favored retail sector in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all ecommerce sales. This is likely due to the wide range of merchandise and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of the sales on e-commerce. This is due to the constant need for new gadgets, as well as the desire to keep up with the most recent technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products make up 15% of all online sales.

When asked about the factors that drive consumers to shop online 57% of UK customers cited convenience as the primary driver. This is followed by 48% who mentioned price comparison, and 37% who said they were looking for special deals or discounts. These findings indicate that UK shoppers are less price-driven than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a broad product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is a common part of the lives of many UK residents. More than half of UK residents aged 65 or older have made an online purchase in the past year. With a variety of payment methods available customers can also decide how and when they want their goods to be delivered.

Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons consumers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as their main reason for shopping online. Then, another 48% of them cited lower prices, while 37% cited a wider selection of choices.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious in their online shopping habits. For instance 79 percent of UK online shoppers say they recycle boxes and other packaging materials they have purchased from their purchases. They could be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in a sustainable ecologically friendly way.

Certain consumers are looking to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothing or footwear from a store that has their size information on the file. This lets them skip the return process and to purchase what they want faster.

It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more willing than ever before to wait for online orders. This could be because UK shoppers are more accustomed to the slower delivery time and know how long it takes to receive an item via the mail.

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

Online shopping in the UK is a very popular pastime for a large number of people. Accessories and clothing are the most sought-after purchases followed by food items, 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. This is due to the fact that consumers find these events very convenient. It is also simple 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 ecommerce companies to understand what their target audience is searching for when buying products. In addition, it is also important to know how much time each age group is spending shopping online. The younger generation, for instance, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is because the younger generation is less time-conscious, and will use several devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation tends to be more sceptical about their buying habits and less influenced by online advertising. They also tend to visit high street stores to see and touch products before making purchases. However, this doesn't mean that they will not buy online because the convenience and ease of use of online shopping remains extremely appealing to them.

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

4. Online shopping in the UK depending on gender

Men and women in the UK are equally likely to shop for products online. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases, such as electrical and furniture. Both groups are more likely to buy clothing household and garden products, consumer electronics, and health and beauty products.

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

Clothing and shoes are the most sought-after items for online shopping in the UK. In fact, a whopping 62 percent of female British online shoppers purchased these items in 2020. Online sales are not only limited to clothing. Other items like kitchenware, jewelry, and sports goods are also available.

Online shopping has become increasingly popular to find most affordable bargains. Some experts believe that by 2024, online sales could make up more than a third of all retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping, whereas others are flourishing. Online sales are growing in fashion, health and wellness gardening, home and garden and Sustainable Power Supply (vimeo.com) consumer electronics.

In the near future the online shopping market for these products is expected to increase. With the number of people with access to the internet increasing it is expected that more customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. As online shopping is becoming more popular, retailers should ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also provide a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is one of the top European eCommerce markets. The customers are influenced by convenience, price and a wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it a perfect opportunity for retailers to improve their online presence and provide a seamless online shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew dramatically because consumers were looking for secure and convenient options for Vimeo shopping. This trend has continued after the pandemic, as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a major part of the UK retail economy There are estimates that it will account for a third of all retail sales in 2024. This increase is the result of the increasing use of e-commerce by customers and technological advancements.

In the UK, 57% of shoppers who shop online mention convenience as the primary reason they shop online. The 48 percent who say it's easier to find deals and special offers and the 37% who claim there is a greater range of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers cite the lower cost as a primary reason for them to buy online.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Online customers are willing to try new brands and products. Half of consumers are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online have used this option during the last year.

In addition to this, a strong online return policy is an essential aspect of the e-commerce landscape in the UK. The majority of buyers (59%) look up a retailer's return policy before buying, and more than half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.