Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retailers has grown exponentially since its inception. This is especially evident in the UK where ecommerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

Many consumers use online shopping online uk websites to research brands before purchasing and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick it up in store". This is a shift in consumer habits that brick-and mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's no secret that online retail sales 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 due to the changing habits of consumers and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar shops are losing popularity as customers increasingly shop online.

In order to do this, it is important that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers understand what motivates customers to buy online. To help you do this, we've put together a collection of retail sales figures and other statistics that are both eye-opening as well as informative.

Of all the retail industries, fashion is the most well-known with 28 percent of all sales on e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to a wider selection of merchandise that are available and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without having to leave home. Electronics is second with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is due to the constant need for new gadgets and the desire to stay current with the most recent technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products account for 15% of all online sales.

When asked about the factors that drive shoppers to shop online, 57 percent of UK customers cited convenience as the main reason. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison, while 37% of them said they were seeking discounts or special offers. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less influenced by price than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a broad selection of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a part of the daily routine for many UK consumers. Be it for groceries, electronics or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over 65 have made an online purchase within the last year. With a wide variety of payment methods available customers can also decide how and when they want their goods to be delivered.

There are many motives for Online Shopping Figures Uk shoppers to shop among them, the most common include convenience prices, availability, and price. In fact, 57% cite convenience as the primary reason to shop online. Then, 48% cited lower prices as an additional benefit, while 37% mentioned the availability of more choices as well.

The habits of online shopping among UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. For instance, 79 percent of UK online shoppers say they recycle boxes and other packaging materials that they use in their purchases. They may even take action if feel their deliveries are not being delivered in environmentally friendly packaging.

Some consumers are looking to make their online shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also to reduce their carbon footprint. For online Shopping figures uk instance 35 percent of UK shoppers have bought clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer that has their size information stored on file. This lets them avoid the return process and get what they want quicker.

Incredibly, UK consumers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are more used to the slow delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for an item to arrive in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK according to age group

Online shopping in the UK is a favorite pastime for a lot of people. Clothing and accessories are among the most popular purchases, followed by groceries, and media such as music and movies. Online shopping is also very popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for shoppers. Online comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are a diverse group. This makes it essential for e-commerce businesses to know what their target audience is searching for when buying products. It is also important to understand how much time each group of shoppers spends online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other group. This is because this age group is very constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generation tends to be more sceptical about their buying habits and less influenced by online advertising. They are also more likely to visit high street stores to see and touch items before making an purchase. However, this doesn't mean they won't buy online because the convenience and ease of use of online shopping is extremely appealing to them.

Another interesting factor to consider when it comes to online shopping is that the older generations are more likely to expect and demand free delivery on all purchases. They are also more likely to leave carts when shipping costs appear excessive. In addition 61% of people over 55 say they will add more items to their cart to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

Men and women in the UK are equally likely to shop for products online. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases like electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups are more likely to purchase fashion as well as 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 the way a retailer responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% looking for brands that support and are in close contact with their local communities.

The most sought-after online purchasing items 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 only limited to clothing. Other products such as kitchenware, jewellery and sports goods are also available.

This is why online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a way to find the most affordable prices on these items. Some analysts predict that by 2024, the sales from e-commerce could be nearly a third of retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping while others are thriving. Particularly the online market is booming for health, fashion and beauty, home and gardening as well as consumer electronics.

The trend of purchasing these products online is likely to continue to expand in the years ahead. With the number of people having access to the internet increasing it is expected that more and customers will opt for online shopping in the 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 provide a secure and easy checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is one of the top European ecommerce markets. Its consumers are influenced by the ease of shopping, the price and a variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it a perfect opportunity for retailers to build their online presence and offer an effortless shopping experience online.

During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew dramatically because consumers were looking for safe and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to use online shopping as an attractive alternative.

Online shopping is an important component of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it could comprise a third of retail sales by 2024. This increase is the result of the increasing use of e-commerce by consumers as well as technological advances.

57 percent of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the main reason why they shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who say that it is easier to find deals and special offers and 37% of shoppers say there's a wider selection of products available online. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor in their decision to purchase online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of consumers are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a favorite option for UK shoppers, with 29% of online shoppers using a buy now pay later option in the last year.

Additionally an effective return policy is a crucial aspect of the e-commerce landscape in the UK. The majority of online buyers (59 percent) will research the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and more than half will expect the retailer to be responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping.