Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retailers has grown continuously since its inception. This is particularly evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of all retail sales.

Shopping online is a common method for shoppers to look up brands and make purchases. About 45% of consumers prefer to "buy online and then pick it up in store". This is a shift in the way people shop that brick-and-mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Retail sales online in the UK

It's hard to deny that sales of online retail in the UK have seen a significant increase over the past few 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 shifting consumer habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as consumers increasingly shop online shopping figures uk (More inspiring ideas).

In order to do this, it's essential that both omni-channel and pureplay retailers understand what draws shoppers to purchase online. We've put together retail sales figures and stats that are both eye opening and revealing to help you.

Fashion is the most popular retail sector in the UK with 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the availability of a larger range of merchandise and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of the sales made through e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant need for new technology, as well as the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products represent 15% of all online sales.

When asked what factors drive customers to shop online 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary reason. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison and 37% indicated they were looking for special offers or discounts. These results indicate that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts and are more focused upon convenience and a broad product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is becoming regular part of the lives of many UK consumers. Be it for electronic gadgets, groceries or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made an online purchase in the last year. With a wide variety of payment options available, shoppers can also choose the time and date they would like their items to be delivered.

Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons why shoppers shop online. In fact 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main reason for their shopping habits. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as a benefit, while 37% mentioned an increased selection of choices as well.

The shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. For example 79 percent of UK online shoppers report recycling 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 friendly manner.

In addition to decreasing their environmental impact, a few customers are also seeking to make their online shopping experiences more personal. For example, 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who has their size information stored. This allows them to avoid the return process and obtain what they want faster.

Incredibly, UK consumers are reported to be more willing to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because UK consumers are more accustomed to the slower delivery time and know how long it takes to receive an item through the mail.

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

Shopping online in the UK is a very popular pastime for many people. Clothing and accessories are among the most popular items, followed by groceries, and media like movies and music. Shopping online is very popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These sales are extremely practical for shoppers. Online comparisons of products and prices are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is important to know that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This is why it is crucial for online retailers to know the type of customer they are seeking when they purchase products. Additionally it is crucial to be aware examples of online products how much time each age group is spending shopping online. The younger generation, for example, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is due to the fact that the younger generation is time-poor and uses a variety of devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation tends to be more conservative in their purchasing habits and less influenced by online advertisements. They also prefer visiting high-end stores to feel and touch products before making a decision. However, this doesn't mean they don't shop online because the convenience and ease of online shopping is still very appealing to them.

Another interesting aspect to be considered when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to expect and request free shipping on all their purchases. In addition 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 in order to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

Both genders in the UK are equally likely to shop for goods on the internet. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases such as electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups tend to spend more on clothing, home and garden products, 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 found that 70% of consumers are influenced by how the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% of them looking for brands that support and are in close contact with their local communities.

The most sought-after online purchasing products in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online shopping sites top 7 purchased these items by 2020. Online sales aren't limited to clothing. Other products such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.

Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular to find the best deals. In fact, some experts predict that ecommerce sales will account for nearly one third of all retail sales in 2024.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping while others are prospering. Particularly the online market is booming for health, fashion, beauty gardening, home and garden and consumer electronic.

In the near future the online shopping market for these products is expected to increase. With the number of people who have access to the internet increasing It is anticipated that customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers must ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also provide an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is among the top European eCommerce markets. When it comes to online shopping, the UK's consumers are influenced primarily by price, convenience and a variety of products. These factors make it a great place for retailers who want to improve their online presence and provide an easy shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew significantly as people opted for secure and convenient alternatives to instore purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic, as consumers continue to choose online shopping as an attractive alternative.

Shopping online is a significant aspect of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it will make up a third of retail sales by 2024. This is due to the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advancements in technology.

57 percent of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason why they shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who state that it is easier to find deals and special offers and 37% who say there's a greater variety of merchandise available online. In Europe the majority of shoppers cite the lower cost as a primary reason for them to purchase online.

Online shoppers are also eager to test new products and brands. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of them are willing to try them when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a common choice for UK customers, with 29 percent of shoppers using a buy now pay later option in the last year.

A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also an important aspect of e-commerce. The majority of buyers (59 percent) look up a retailer's return policy before buying, and nearly half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.