Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings the market for online shopping has grown steadily. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce is responsible for 20% of retail sales.

Many people shop online to research brands before purchasing and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick up in store". This is a change in consumer habits that brick-and mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no denying that sales on retail websites have increased significantly in the UK over recent years. According to data from 2023, the B2C e-commerce market is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by next year. This is because of changing consumer shopping patterns and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Bricks and mortar shops are losing popularity as customers increasingly turn to online retailers.

With this in mind, it's essential for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to understand what drives customers to purchase online. To help you understand this, we've put together a collection of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.

Of all the sectors of retail, fashion is the most well-known and accounts for 28 percent of all sales made through e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a wider selection of products and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics is the second most popular, with 16% of all online sales. This is probably due to the constant need for new gadgets as well as the desire to stay up-to-date with the most recent technology. Leisure and hobbies are also popular items to purchase online, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% cited convenience. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison and 37% stated they were seeking special discounts or offers. These findings suggest that consumers in the UK are less influenced by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a large product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is a common aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. About half of UK people aged 65 and older have made a purchase on the internet within the last year. Shoppers can choose from a variety of payment options and also choose when and how they want their items delivered.

Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons shoppers shop online. In fact, 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary driver behind their shopping habits. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as another benefit, while 37% mentioned a wider range of choices as well.

The shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79 percent of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an environmentally green manner.

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

Interestingly, UK customers are reported to be more likely to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be due to the fact that British shoppers are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and understand how long it takes to receive an item through the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with age group

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. Accessories and clothing are the most popular items followed by groceries and entertainment such as music and movies. Online shopping is very popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is because consumers find these events very convenient. It is also simple to compare prices and items on the internet when making these kinds of purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This makes it essential for online retailers to know what their target audience is looking for when purchasing products. Additionally it is important to know how much time each age group is spending shopping 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 constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generation are, however, likely to have more cautious buying habits and are less influenced by online advertising. They are also more likely to visit stores on the high street to look at and feel products before making an purchase. However, Mini Wireless Lavalier Microphone this doesn't mean they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping are still very appealing.

Another interesting aspect to take into consideration when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and request free shipping on all of their purchases. Additionally they tend to drop their carts when they believe that shipping costs are too high. In addition 61% of those over 55 say they will add more items to their shopping carts in order to get to the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

Both genders in the UK are equally likely to shop for items online. However, women are more likely to make large purchases, like electrical appliances or furniture, than men. Both groups are also more likely to purchase fashion cosmetics, health and beauty products gardening, home and garden and consumer electronics products.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have shown that 70% of consumers are influenced by the way a company responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% searching for brands that support and collaborate with their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are among the most sought-after items for online shopping in the UK. In fact, a whopping 62 percent of female British online shoppers bought these items in 2020. However, online sales aren't restricted to the clothing sector with a wide range of other items available, like kitchenware, jewellery and luxury sports Watch equipment.

Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular to find the best deals. Some experts believe that by 2024, online sales could make up almost one third of retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping, while others are flourishing. Online sales are increasing in fashion, health and wellness, home and garden, and consumer electronics.

The trend of purchasing online for these items is expected to continue to grow in the years ahead. With the number of people having access to the internet continuing to increase It is expected that more and customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it's important for retailers to ensure their websites 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 among the leading European ecommerce markets. The customers are influenced by convenience, price and a variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it a perfect opportunity for retailers to invest in their online presence and offer an effortless shopping experience online.

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

Online shopping is a significant portion of the UK retail market Some estimates suggest that it could account for three-quarters of all retail sales by 2024. This growth is a result of the increasing use of ecommerce by consumers and technological advances.

57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the main reason for them to shop online. The 48% who say it's easier to find bargains and special deals as well as the 37% who say there's a wider selection of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe more than half of shoppers cite the lower cost as a primary factor for their decision to purchase online.

Online shoppers are also willing to test new brands and products. Almost 25% of shoppers online have purchased products that they've never purchased in a store before, and half are willing to test new items when purchasing from the marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond of the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online have used this option in the last year.

A strong online return policy for the UK is also a key aspect of e-commerce. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) look up the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.