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 ecommerce accounts for 20% of 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 a fascinating shift in consumer behavior that bricks and mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's not a secret that retail sales online have risen substantially in the UK in recent years. In fact, according to 2023 statistics, the B2C e-commerce market is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by next year. This growth is driven by changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as customers increasingly shop online.

To do this, it is important that both omni-channel and pureplay retailers understand what motivates customers to buy online. To help you do this, we've put together an assortment of sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.

Of all the sectors of retail of which fashion is the most well-known, accounting for 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a wider variety of items and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics is second with 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant need for new gadgets and the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Leisure and hobbies are also a favorite purchase online shopping figures uk (Google`s recent blog post), accounting for 15% of all online sales.

When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison and 37% stated they were looking for special deals or discounts. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less price driven than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a large product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping is a common aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. Be it for groceries, electronics, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online in the past year alone. With a wide range of payment options, shoppers can also choose the time and date they would like their goods to be delivered.

There are many motives for shoppers to shop online, some of the most popular include convenience prices, availability, and price. In fact 57% of shoppers who shop online retailers uk stats mention convenience as the primary driver behind their shopping habits. In addition, 48% mentioned lower prices as a benefit and 37% noted a wider range of options.

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

Some consumers are looking to make their online shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, 35% of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that has their size information saved. This allows them skip the return process and get what they need faster.

Interestingly, UK shoppers are reported to be more willing to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are more used to the slow delivery times and have a better understanding of the time it takes for an item to arrive in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK depending on 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 such as movies and music. Online shopping is also very popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. This is because customers find these sales to be extremely convenient. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are diverse, which makes it essential for ecommerce businesses to understand the demographics their customers are seeking when it comes to purchasing products. It is also essential to know how long each group of shoppers spends online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very time-poor and will use multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation tends to be more conservative in their purchasing habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They are also more likely to visit stores on the high street to look at and feel products before making a purchase. But this doesn't mean that they won't buy online because the convenience and ease of online shopping is very appealing to them.

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

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. However women are more likely to make large purchases, such as furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are more likely to buy fashion products, home and garden items as well as 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 consumers are influenced by how a company responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 69% of them searching for brands that support and are in close contact with their local communities.

Clothing and shoes are the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact 62% of British women who shop online bought these items by the year 2020. Online sales are not only limited to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports goods are also available.

In the process, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to find the most affordable prices on these items. Some analysts estimate that by 2024 the sales from e-commerce could be almost one third of retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping while others are thriving. Online sales are growing in fashion, health and wellness as well as home and garden and consumer electronics.

The trend of purchasing these items online is expected to continue to expand in the coming years. As the number of internet users increases, it is expected that online shopping will become more popular in the near future. As online shopping grows more popular, merchants must ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also offer a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a leading European online marketplace. When they shop online, the UK's consumers are mostly influenced by price, convenience and the variety of items. These factors make it an ideal place for retailers to improve their online presence and provide an effortless shopping experience online.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales increased dramatically as people sought out safer and more convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued following the outbreak as consumers continue to buy online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a major part of UK retail and some estimates suggest that it could comprise a third of retail sales by 2024. This is because of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by consumers as well as technological advances.

In the UK 57% of shoppers who shop online cite convenience as the main reason for them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who state that it is easier to find special offers and deals as well as 37% who claim that there is a wider range of merchandise available online. This contrasts with Europe, where a greater percentage of consumers said that lower prices were the key driver for their purchase online.

Online shoppers are also eager to try new products and brands. About 25% of online shoppers have purchased products that they've never seen on the high street previously, and a majority are eager to try new products when shopping on the marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have used this option in the last year.

A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also a crucial aspect of ecommerce. The majority of buyers (59 percent) check a retailer's return policy before purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and Online shopping figures Uk pay for return shipping.