Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy, the online retail market has continued to grow. This is evident especially in the UK, where ecommerce represents 20% of retail sales.

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

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no doubt that online sales of merchandise have risen substantially in the UK over recent years. In fact, according to 2023's statistics the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by the year 2023. This increase is the result of shifting consumer habits and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end, bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as more customers turn to online stores for their purchases.

With this in mind, it's crucial for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives shoppers to buy online. We've compiled retail sales figures and feed2js.org stats 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 online sales. This is likely due to the availability of a larger selection of products and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving your home. Electronics is second with 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is due to the constant demand for new gadgets, as well as the desire to stay current with the most recent technology. Hobbies and leisure items are also a favorite purchase on the internet, accounting for 15% of all online sales.

When asked about the factors that drive consumers to shop online, 57 percent of UK consumers said convenience was the primary driver. Then, [Redirect-iFrame] 48% mentioned price comparison, while 37% of them said they were seeking discounts or special offers. These findings indicate that UK shoppers are less price-driven than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a broad product variety.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is becoming regular part of the lives of many UK consumers. Whether it's to buy electronics, groceries, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made an online purchase within the last year. Shoppers can pick from a range of payment options and choose the time and method they'd like their items delivered.

Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% cite convenience as their primary reason for purchasing online. Another 48% of them cited lower prices while 37% said they have a wider variety of options.

UK consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious when it comes to their shopping online. For instance 79% of UK online shoppers report that they recycle boxes and other packaging materials they have purchased from their purchases. They may even take action if believe that their packages are not coming in environmentally friendly packaging.

Some customers want to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also reduce their carbon footprint. For Sideswipe Kitchenaid Mixer Tool instance, 35% of UK customers have purchased clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who has their size information saved. This allows them to avoid the return process and to get what they want faster.

It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more willing to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because UK shoppers are more accustomed to the longer delivery time and understand how long it takes to receive an item via the mail.

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

Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK. Accessories and clothing are the most sought-after purchases followed by food items, and media such as movies and music. Online shopping is very popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is because people find these sales convenient. Online comparisons of prices and products are also possible when purchasing these items.

It is important to know that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it vital for online retailers to know the type of customer they are searching for when buying products. It is also crucial to know how much time each segment of customers spends online. For example, the younger generation is more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation are, however, likely to have more shrewd buying habits and are less influenced by the online ads. They also prefer visiting high-street stores to experience products before making a purchase. This does not mean they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping remain very appealing.

Another interesting aspect to take into consideration when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to expect and demand free shipping on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to drop carts when shipping costs appear excessive. Additionally, 61% of over 55s claim that they will add more items to their cart in order to meet the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

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

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 how a retailer responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of these seeking out brands that are supportive of and work closely with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping products in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact, 62% of British women who shop online will purchase these items by the year 2020. Online sales are not restricted to clothing. Other items like kitchenware, jewellery and sports items are also available.

As a result, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to find the most affordable prices on these items. In fact, some analysts predict that e-commerce sales will account for nearly 1/3 of all retail sales in 2024.

While some retailers struggle to keep up with the growth in online sales, others are flourishing. In particular the rise of online sales for health, fashion, beauty, home and gardening as well as consumer electronics.

The trend of purchasing online for these items is expected to continue expand in the years ahead. With the number of people having access to the internet growing it is expected that more and customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. As online shopping is becoming more popular, retailers should ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also offer a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European online marketplace. When they shop online the customers of the UK are influenced primarily by price, convenience, and the variety of items. These factors make it a great location for retailers looking to improve their online presence and provide a seamless shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ergonomic Bath Sponge online sales increased significantly as people opted for secure and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued even after the pandemic as consumers continue to buy online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a significant part of the UK retail market, with some estimates suggesting that it will comprise one-third of all retail sales in 2024. This growth is driven by increasing consumer adoption of ecommerce and advances in technology.

In the UK 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main factor driving them to shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who highlight that it is easier to find deals and special offers as well as 37% who claim that there's a wider selection of products available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers cite lower prices as a major factor for their decision to purchase online.

The online shoppers are also keen to test new products and brands. Almost 25% of online shoppers have bought products they've never seen on the high-street previously, and a majority are eager to try new items when purchasing from an online marketplace like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond of the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this option in the past year.

In addition to this an effective return policy is a crucial aspect of the online shopping environment in the UK. The majority of buyers (59 percent) check the return policy of the retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.