Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retailers has been growing continuously since its inception. This is especially evident in the UK where ecommerce is responsible for 20% of all retail sales.

Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick up in store". This is an interesting change in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no doubt that sales on retail websites have grown significantly in the UK over recent years. According to the 2023 statistics, the B2C online market is predicted to reach almost $120 billion in the next year. This is because of changing consumer shopping patterns and [empty] the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. As a result bricks and mortar shops are seeing a decline in popularity as more customers are turning to online retailers to make their purchases.

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

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

When asked about the factors that drive consumers to shop online, 57% of UK customers cited convenience as the main reason. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison, and 37% who said they were looking for special offers or discounts. These results suggest that consumers in the UK are less driven by price than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a large selection of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a part of daily life for many UK customers. Nearly half of UK residents aged 65 or older have made a purchase on the internet in the past year. Shoppers can pick from a variety of payment options and choose when and how they want their products delivered.

Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons why shoppers shop online. In fact 57% of shoppers who shop online say that convenience is the primary motive behind their shopping. In addition, 48% mentioned lower prices as an additional advantage, while 37% cited a wider range of options as well.

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 may be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in a sustainable green manner.

Certain consumers wish 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 example, 35% of UK shoppers have bought clothes or footwear from a retailer with their measurements on file. This lets them bypass the return process and obtain what they want faster.

It is interesting to know that UK shoppers have been reported to be more willing than ever before to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that UK customers are more used to the slower delivery time and are aware of how long it takes to receive an item via the mail.

3. Online Shopping figures Uk shopping in the UK by the age group

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. Accessories and clothing are the most popular items followed by food items, and media like music and movies. Shopping online is very popular in the UK, especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is because people find these sales convenient. Comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse, which is why it is crucial for e-commerce companies to know what their target market is seeking when it comes to purchasing products. It is also important to know how much time each type of consumer spends online. For instance, the younger generation is more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is time-poor and will use multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generation however tend to have more conservative purchasing habits and are less affected by online advertising. They also prefer to visit high-end stores to experience products before making a decision. However, this doesn't mean they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online are still appealing.

Another important aspect to take into consideration when it is about online shopping is that the older generations are more likely to demand and demand free delivery on all purchases. They are also more likely to drop carts when shipping costs appear excessive. Moreover 61% of those over 55 say they'll add more items to their shopping carts in order in order to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

In the UK both genders are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases like electrical and furniture. Both groups are more likely to buy clothing, home and garden products consumer electronics, as well as 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% searching for brands that support and work closely with their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are among the most popular products to buy online in the UK. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online will purchase these items by 2020. Online sales aren't just restricted to clothing. Other products such as kitchenware, jewellery and sports items are also available.

Online shopping has become more popular for finding the best deals. In fact, some analysts have predicted that e-commerce sales will account for almost one third of all retail sales in 2024.

While some retailers struggle to keep up with the growth in online shopping, other are flourishing. In particular the online market is booming for health, fashion, beauty gardening, home and garden, and consumer electronics.

In the future the online shopping market for these items is expected to increase. As the number of internet users continues to grow it is anticipated that online shopping will become more popular in the near 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 leading European ecommerce market. When they shop online the British consumers are influenced by price, convenience, and the variety of items. These factors make it an ideal location for retailers to build their online presence and offer a seamless online shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew dramatically as consumers chose safer and more convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued even after the outbreak as consumers continue to shop online as an alternative.

Shopping online is a significant part of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it could account for one-third of sales by 2024. This growth is driven by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and technological advancements.

In the UK, 57% of shoppers who shop online mention convenience as the primary factor driving them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who state that it is easier to find deals and special offers, and 37% who say there is a wider range of products available online. In Europe the majority of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor in their decision to buy online.

Online shoppers are also willing to try new products and brands. Almost 25% of online shoppers have purchased products that they've never purchased on the high street previously, and a majority are eager to try new items when purchasing from the marketplaces like amazon online grocery shopping uk. UK customers are awed by the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have made use of this option during the last year.

A strong online return policy for the UK is also a key aspect of e-commerce. A majority of online buyers (59%) look up a retailer's return policy before buying, and nearly half of them expect the seller to arrange and pay for return shipping.