Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings, the online retail market has continued to grow. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce is responsible for 20% of retail sales.

Online shopping is a popular way for consumers to research brands and make purchases. 45percent of consumers prefer to "buy online and pick up at the store". This is a shift in the way people shop that brick-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Retail sales online in the UK

It's no secret that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. According to data from 2023, the B2C online market is predicted to grow to $120 billion in the next year. This growth is fueled by shifting consumer habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar stores are gaining popularity as shoppers increasingly prefer online retailers.

In order to do this, it is important that both pureplay and omnichannel retailers understand what motivates shoppers to purchase online. We've collected retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening and revealing to help you.

Fashion is the most favored retail industry in the UK with 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is likely due to a wider selection of items available and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without leaving home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of the sales made through e-commerce. This is likely due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with the latest technology. Hobbies and leisure products are also a favorite purchase online, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison while 37% said they were seeking discounts or special offers. These findings suggest that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a wide product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a part of daily life for many UK customers. 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, shoppers can also choose the best time and method for their goods to be delivered.

Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as the primary reason for shopping online. Additionally, 48% cited lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider variety of options.

Online shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79 percent of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may even take action if they believe that their packages are not being delivered in environmentally friendly packaging.

In addition to reducing their environmental impact, some customers are also seeking to make their online shopping experience more personal. For example, 35% of UK shoppers have bought clothes or footwear from a retailer with their size information on the file. This allows them to avoid the return process and obtain what they want faster.

It is interesting to note that UK shoppers have been reported to be more willing than ever to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that British consumers are more accustomed to the slower delivery time and are aware of how long it takes to receive an item through the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK by age group

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. Accessories and clothing are the most popular purchases, followed by groceries, and media such as movies and music. Online shopping is very popular in the uk women's online shopping websites particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is due to the fact that customers find these sales to be extremely convenient. Online comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse. This is why it is crucial for e-commerce businesses to understand the demographics their customers are looking for when they purchase products. In addition to this it is crucial to know how much time each age group spends shopping online. For example the younger generation is far more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is very constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generations on the other hand tend to have more conservative purchasing habits and are less swayed by the online ads. They are also more likely to visit high street stores to see and touch items before making purchases. But this doesn't mean that they don't shop online because the convenience and ease of online shopping is very appealing to them.

Another important aspect to take into consideration when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to expect and expect free shipping on all of their purchases. Additionally, they tend to drop their shopping carts if they think that shipping costs are prohibitive. Furthermore, as many as 61% of over 55s say that they will add additional items to their shopping carts in order to get the threshold of free delivery.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

Women and men in the UK are equally likely to shop for items online. However women are more likely to make big purchases, such as furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are also more likely to shop for fashion cosmetics, health and beauty products 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 shown that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of these searching for brands that support and are in close contact with their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are the most sought-after items to buy online in the UK. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online will purchase these items by the year 2020. However online sales aren't limited to the clothing sector, with a variety of other products on sale, such as kitchenware, jewellery, and sports equipment.

Shopping online has become more popular for finding the best bargains. In fact, some experts predict that e-commerce sales will make up nearly one third of all retail sales by 2024.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping, whereas others are prospering. Online sales are booming in health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronic.

The trend of buying these products online is expected to continue increase in the coming years. With the number of people who have access to the internet continuing to increase, it is expected that more customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it's important for retailers to ensure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and that they provide a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is one of the most important European eCommerce markets. The customers are influenced by the convenience, affordability and vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it a great opportunity for retailers to invest in their online presence and offer an effortless shopping experience online.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales increased significantly because consumers were looking for secure and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic, as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as an attractive alternative.

Online shopping is a significant component of the UK retail economy, with some estimates suggesting that it will account for a third of all retail sales in 2024. This growth is fueled by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and technological advancements.

57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the main reason why they shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find deals and special offers as well as the 37% who say there is a greater range of products online shopping figures uk are closely behind. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor in their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Almost 25% of online shoppers have bought items they've never purchased in a store previously, and a majority are eager to try new items when purchasing from an online marketplace like Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a favorite option for UK shoppers, with 29 percent of online shoppers choosing a buy now, pay later option over 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) go through the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.