Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retail has been growing continuously since its inception. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

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

1. Retail sales online in the UK

It's not a secret that sales on retail websites have increased substantially in the UK over recent years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by the year 2023. This growth is fueled by changing consumer shopping habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. 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 important for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives shoppers to buy online. We've collected statistics and figures on retail sales that are both eye opening and revealing to help you.

Fashion is the most popular retail industry in the UK accounting for 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the wide range of merchandise and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the constant need for new gadgets and the desire to stay up-to-date with most recent technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products represent 15% of all ecommerce sales.

When asked what factors drive consumers to shop online 57% of UK consumers said convenience was the primary driver. This is followed by 48% who mentioned price comparison, and 37% who said they were seeking special discounts or offers. These findings suggest that UK consumers are less influenced by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused upon convenience and a wide product variety.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping is becoming a part of daily life for many UK consumers. About half of UK residents aged 65 and older have made a purchase on the internet in the past year. With a variety of payment options customers can also decide how and when they want their items to be delivered.

While there are many reasons to shop online, some of the most common include convenience price, availability, Vimeo and price. In fact, 57% cite convenience as the primary reason to shop online. Another 48% cited lower prices while 37% cited a wider selection of choices.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious with regards to their online shopping habits. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an eco ecologically friendly way.

In addition to decreasing their environmental impact, some customers are also seeking to make their shopping experience more personal. For example 35 percent of UK customers have bought clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that stores their size information. This lets them avoid the return process and get what they want quicker.

It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because UK customers are more used to the slower delivery time and are aware of the length of time it takes to receive an item in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK by age group

Shopping online in the UK is a popular activity for many people. Clothes and accessories are the most popular purchases followed by food items, and media like movies and music. Shopping online is very popular in the UK, Vimeo especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is due to the fact that 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 important to know that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it vital for ecommerce companies to understand what their target audience is seeking when they purchase products. Additionally it is important to know how much time each age group is spending shopping online. For example, the younger generation is more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because the younger generation is less time-conscious and will make use of multiple devices to complete online tasks.

Older generations tend to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by online advertising. They are also more likely to go to stores in the high street to see and touch products before making an purchase. This does not mean they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping are still very appealing.

Another interesting aspect to consider when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and expect free shipping on all their purchases. In addition they tend to drop their carts when they believe that shipping costs are too high. Moreover 61% of people over 55 say they'll add more items to their cart in order to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

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

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to studies 70% of shoppers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 epidemic. 69% of these customers looked for brands that supported and were in close contact with their local community.

The most sought-after online purchasing items in the UK are footwear and clothing. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in 2020. Online sales aren't just restricted to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports goods are also available.

Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular to find the best bargains. Some analysts believe that by 2024, the sales from e-commerce could be nearly a third of retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, while others are prospering. Particularly, online sales are booming for health, fashion, beauty, home and gardening and consumer electronics.

The trend for buying online for these items is expected to continue expand in the coming years. As the number of people who use the internet is growing it is anticipated that online shopping will increase in popularity in the near future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it's crucial for retailers to ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices and that they provide a secure and easy checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European online marketplace. The majority of its customers are influenced the convenience, affordability and wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal opportunity for retailers to build their online presence and provide an effortless shopping experience online.

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

Online shopping is a significant component of the UK retail market Some estimates suggest that it will account for a third of all retail sales in 2024. This is because of the increasing use of e-commerce by customers and technological advances.

In the UK, 57% of shoppers who shop online say convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who highlight that it is easier to find special offers and deals, and 37% who say there's a wider selection of merchandise available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers mention the lower cost as a primary factor for their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Almost 25% of shoppers online have purchased products that they've never seen in a store previously, and a majority are willing to test new products when shopping on an online marketplace like Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a common choice for UK customers with 29 percent of online shoppers choosing a buy now, pay later option in the past year.

A solid return policy for online purchases for the UK is also an important aspect of e-commerce. The majority of online shoppers (59%) go through a retailer's return policy before purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.