Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retailers has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. This is especially evident in the UK, where ecommerce represents 20% of retail sales.

Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands before purchasing and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick it up in stores". This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no doubt that online sales of merchandise have increased substantially in the UK over recent years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C market for online shopping is expected to reach almost $120 billion next year. This increase is the result of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as consumers increasingly prefer online retailers.

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

Fashion is the most popular retail industry in the UK with 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the wider range of merchandise that are available and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without leaving the comfort of your home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of all online sales. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with latest technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products account for online shopping figures Uk 15% of all ecommerce 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% who stated they were seeking special deals or discounts. These results suggest that shoppers 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 is becoming regular part of the lives of many UK customers. Whether it's to buy electronics, groceries or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over 65 have made a purchase on the internet in the last year. Shoppers can choose from a range of payment options and also choose when and how their items delivered.

Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% cite convenience as their main reason to shop online. Another 48% pointed to lower prices and 37% mentioned a greater selection of choices.

UK consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious when it comes to their online shopping habits. 79 percent of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They can take action if their orders are not packaged in an eco green manner.

Some consumers are looking 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 percent of UK shoppers have bought clothing or footwear from a store that has their size information stored on file. This allows 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 to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are used to the slow delivery times and are more aware of how long it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK according to age group

Online shopping is very popular in the UK. Accessories and clothing are the most popular items followed by groceries and media such as movies and music. Online shopping is also very popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for consumers. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.

It is essential to realize that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it essential for ecommerce companies to understand the demographics their customers are seeking when they purchase products. It is also essential to know how much time each type of consumer spends online grocery stores that ship. The younger generation, for instance, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is time-poor and will use multiple devices to complete online shopping figures uk tasks.

Older generations tend to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by online advertisements. They are also more likely to go to stores in the high street to see and touch items before making an purchase. However, this doesn't mean that they don't shop online, as the convenience and ease of online shopping is still very appealing to them.

Another important aspect to take into consideration when it comes to online shopping is that the older generation is more likely to anticipate 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 over 55s say that they will add additional items to their cart in order to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

In the uk online phone shopping sites, men and women are equally likely to shop online. However women are more likely to make big purchases, such as electrical appliances or furniture than men. Both groups are also more likely to purchase fashion cosmetics, health and beauty products, home and garden, and consumer electronics.

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 the way 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.

Shoes and clothing are among the most popular products for online shopping in the UK. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in 2020. Online sales are not limited to clothing. Other items such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports items are also available.

In the process, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to find the best prices on these products. In fact, some experts predict that e-commerce sales will account for nearly one third of all retail sales in 2024.

While some retailers struggle to deal with the rise in online shopping, others are flourishing. Online sales are increasing in health and wellness as well as home and garden and consumer electronic.

The trend of purchasing these products online is expected to continue increase in the coming years. As the number of internet users is growing, it is expected that online shopping will become more popular in the future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is essential for retailers to make sure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and that they offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European online retail market. When they shop online the British consumers are mostly influenced by price, convenience, and the wide variety of products. These factors make it a perfect place for retailers to improve their online presence and offer a seamless online shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales increased dramatically as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to instore purchases. This trend has continued following the pandemic as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.

Shopping online is a large component of the UK retail market Some estimates suggest that it will account for three-quarters of all retail sales in 2024. This growth is driven by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and technological advancements.

In the UK 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary factor driving them to shop online. The 48 percent who say it's easier to find deals and special deals and the 37% who say there is a greater range of products online are closely behind. In Europe more than half of consumers cite the lower cost as a primary factor for their decision to purchase online.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Nearly 25% of shoppers online have bought items they've never seen on the high street before, and half are willing to test new products when they shop on the marketplaces like Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a common choice for UK customers with 29% of online shoppers using a buy now, pay later option over the last year.

A strong online return policy for the UK is also a key aspect of e-commerce. The majority of shoppers (59%) will check the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half will expect the retailer to be responsible for both arranging and paying for return shipping.