Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy, the online retail market has continued to grow. This is particularly evident in the UK where ecommerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

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

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no denying that retail sales online have increased significantly in the UK over 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 is because of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end bricks and mortar stores are experiencing a decline in popularity as more shoppers prefer online retailers to make their purchases.

With this in mind, it's essential for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to know what is the best online shopping in uk motivates consumers to buy online. To help you do this, we've created an assortment of retail sales figures and other statistics that are both eye-opening as well as revealing.

Of all the retail sectors of which fashion is the most popular, accounting for 28 percent of all sales made through e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a larger selection of products and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is second with 16% of the sales on e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets and a desire to keep up with latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products represent 15% of all online sales.

When asked what drives shoppers to shop online 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison and 37% said they were seeking special offers or discounts. These findings suggest that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a wide selection.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping is becoming a part of the daily routine for many UK consumers. It doesn't matter if it's for groceries, electronics or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online in the last year. With a wide variety of payment options, shoppers can also choose the best time and method for their purchases to be delivered.

While there are many reasons to shop online, some of the most popular include convenience prices, online shopping figures uk availability, and price. In fact, 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main motive behind their shopping. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as an additional benefit and 37% noted a wider range of options.

The habits of online shopping among UK customers are also becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. For instance 79% of UK online shoppers report that they recycle boxes and other packaging materials they have purchased from their purchases. They could decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an eco friendly manner.

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

Incredibly, UK shoppers are reported to be more willing to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be due to the fact that British consumers 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 group

Online shopping in the UK is a very popular pastime for a large number of people. Clothes and accessories are the most popular purchases followed by groceries and media like music and movies. Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These events are extremely convenient for consumers. Comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it essential for online shopping figures Uk retailers to know the demographics their customers are looking for when purchasing products. It is also essential to understand how much time each segment of customers spends online. The younger generation, for instance, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other age group. This is because the younger generation is time-poor, and will use several devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generation tends to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They are also more likely to visit high street stores to see and touch products before making purchases. However, this doesn't mean that they won't buy online because the convenience and ease of online shopping is still attractive to them.

Another important aspect to consider when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to expect and request free shipping on all their purchases. Additionally, they tend to drop their carts when they believe that shipping costs are prohibitive. Furthermore, 61% of those over 55 say they will add more items to their carts to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK depending on gender

In the UK both genders are equally likely to shop online. However, women are more likely to make large purchases, like electrical appliances or furniture, than men. Both groups tend to spend more on clothing, home 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. According to research, 70% of shoppers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 outbreak. 69% of shoppers were looking for brands that backed and collaborated with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping items in the UK are footwear and clothing. In fact, 62 percent of British women who shop online will purchase these items by 2020. However the online sales don't just apply to clothing, with a variety of other products available including jewellery, kitchenware, and sports equipment.

This is why online shopping is becoming more popular as a way to find the most affordable prices on these items. Some experts predict that by 2024, ecommerce sales could account for almost one third of retail sales.

While some retailers struggle to keep up with the growth in online shopping, others are thriving. In particular, online sales are booming for health, fashion and beauty gardening, home and garden, and consumer electronic.

In the near future the online shopping market for these products is expected to continue to grow. With the number of people who have access to the internet increasing It is expected that more customers will opt for online shopping in the coming years. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it is important for retailers to ensure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European online marketplace. The customers are influenced by convenience, price and a vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it a great location for retailers to improve their online presence and offer an easy online shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales increased dramatically as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to choose online shopping as a viable alternative.

Shopping online is a large part of the UK retail market, with some estimates suggesting that it will account for a third of all retail sales in 2024. This growth is a result of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by customers and technological advances.

57 percent of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the main reason they shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who highlight that it is easier to discover special deals and offers and 37% who say there's a wider selection of products that are available online. This contrasts with Europe where a higher percentage of shoppers said that lower prices were the main reason behind their purchase online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. 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. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this option in the last year.

A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also a crucial aspect of e-commerce. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) check a retailer's return policy before buying, and more than half of them expect the seller to arrange and pay for return shipping.