Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy the market for shopping online online shopping has grown steadily. This is particularly evident in the UK, where ecommerce represents 20% of retail sales.

Shopping online is a popular method for shoppers to look up brands and make purchases. 45percent of them prefer to "buy online and then pick it up at the store". This is an interesting change in the way people shop that bricks-and-mortar stores should take note of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no denying that online shopping sites top 7 sales of merchandise have grown significantly in the UK in recent years. In fact, according to 2023's statistics the B2C market for e-commerce is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by the year 2023. This is because of changing consumer shopping patterns and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Bricks and mortar shops are gaining popularity as shoppers increasingly prefer online retailers.

To do this, it is important that both omni-channel and pureplay retailers understand what motivates customers to buy online. We've collected statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye opening and informative to assist you.

Of all the retail industries that are available, 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 wider variety of items and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving your home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the constant need for new gadgets and the need to keep up with latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobby products make up 15% of all online sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% said it was because of convenience. Then, 48% mentioned price comparison and 37% of them said they were seeking discounts or special offers. These results suggest that consumers in the UK are less price driven than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a wide variety of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a regular part of the lives of many UK consumers. Whether it's to buy electronic gadgets, groceries, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over 65 have made a purchase on the internet within the last year. Shoppers can select from a wide range of payment options and also choose the time and method they'd like their products delivered.

There are many reasons to shop online, some of the most common include convenience, price, and availability. In fact, 57% of shoppers who shop online cite convenience as the main motive behind their shopping. Then, another 48% pointed to lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider selection of choices.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious in their shopping online. For example 79% of UK online shoppers say they recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their purchases. They could decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an environmentally green manner.

Some customers wish to make their 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 shoppers have bought clothing, footwear, or accessories from a store that has their size information on file. This allows them to skip the return process and get what they want quicker.

It is interesting to consider that UK consumers are reported to be more willing than ever before to wait for online orders. This may be because they are more accustomed to the longer delivery times and have a better understanding of the time it takes for the item to be delivered via the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age range

Shopping online in the UK is a popular activity for many people. The most popular items to purchase are clothes and accessories, followed by groceries and then media like movies and music. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very practical for shoppers. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This is why it is crucial for e-commerce businesses to know the type of customer they are seeking when they purchase products. In addition it is important to be aware of how much time each age group spends shopping online. For example, the younger generation is far more likely to shop using mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to complete online tasks.

Older generations tend to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by online advertising. They also tend to go to stores in the high street to feel and see products prior to making purchases. This doesn't mean that they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online are still very appealing.

Another important 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 their purchases. In addition, they are more likely to abandon their carts when they believe that shipping costs are excessive. Additionally, 61% of people over 55 say they'll add additional items to their carts to reach a free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

Both genders in the UK are equally likely to purchase goods online. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases like furniture and electrical appliances. Both groups are also more likely to shop for fashion, health and beauty gardening, 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 how the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% seeking out brands that are supportive of and collaborate with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping products in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. Online sales aren't just limited to clothing. Other items like kitchenware, jewellery and sports items are also available.

Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular to find the most affordable deals. In fact, some analysts predict that online sales will account for nearly 1/3 of all retail sales by 2024.

While some retailers struggle to keep up with the growth in online sales, others are flourishing. Online sales are booming in fashion, health and wellness as well as home and garden and consumer electronic.

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

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is among the leading European online marketplaces. When shopping online the British consumers are influenced by price, convenience, and a variety of products. These factors make it an ideal location for retailers looking to improve their online presence and provide an easy shopping experience.

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

Shopping online is a large part of the UK retail economy There are estimates that it could account for three-quarters of all retail sales in 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and advancements in technology.

In the UK, 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary reason for them to shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who highlight that it is easier to discover special deals and offers and 37% of shoppers say there is a wider range of products that are available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor in their decision to buy online.

Online shoppers are also eager to try new brands and products. Almost 25% of online shoppers have bought items they've never seen on the high street previously, and a majority are willing to try new products when they shop on a marketplace like Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a common choice for UK customers with 29 percent of online shoppers choosing a buy now, pay later option over the last year.

Additionally an effective return policy is a crucial aspect of the e-commerce landscape in the UK. The majority of buyers (59%) check the return policy of the retailer prior to buying, and more than half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.