Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy the market for online shopping has grown steadily. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

Many consumers use online shopping to research brands before making a purchase and 45% of them prefer to "buy online, then pick up in store". This is a fascinating shift in the way people shop that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.

1. Retail sales online in the UK

There's no doubt that retail sales online have increased dramatically in the UK in recent years. In fact, according to 2023 statistics, the B2C e-commerce market is expected to reach nearly $120 billion by the end of next year. This growth is a result of shifting consumer habits and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as consumers increasingly turn to online retailers.

With this in mind, it's important for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to know what motivates customers to purchase online. We've compiled statistics and figures on retail sales that are both eye opening and informative to assist you.

Fashion is the most popular retail industry in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is probably due to a greater variety of products available and the convenience of being capable of trying on clothes without having to leave home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of all online sales. This is probably due to the constant need for new technology, as well as the desire to keep up with the latest technologies. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products represent 15% of all ecommerce sales.

When asked what drives shoppers to shop online 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the main reason. Then, 48% mentioned price comparison while 37% said they were seeking discounts or special deals. 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 large product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is a common part of the lives of many UK residents. About half of UK residents aged 65 and older have made a purchase on the internet in the last year. Shoppers can choose from a variety of payment options, and choose when and how they want their products delivered.

Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons why customers shop online. In fact, 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main driver behind their shopping habits. Then, 48% cited lower prices as a benefit and 37% noted an increased selection of options.

The shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming more environmentally conscious. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They can be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in a sustainable green manner.

In addition to reducing their impact on the environment, some consumers are also trying to make their shopping experiences more personal. For instance 35% of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, or accessories from a retailer with their measurements on the file. This lets them skip the return process and obtain what they want faster.

Interestingly, UK shoppers are reported to be more willing to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because they are more used to the slower delivery times and have a better understanding of how long it takes for the item to be delivered via the mail.

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

Online shopping in the UK is a very popular pastime for many people. Clothing and accessories are among the most popular purchases, followed by groceries, 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 due to the fact that people find these sales convenient. Comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is important to note that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it crucial for ecommerce businesses to understand what their target market is looking for when purchasing products. It is also important to know how much time each type of consumer spends online. The younger generation, for example, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is due to the fact that this age group is busy and uses multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation on the other hand tend to have more conservative buying habits and are less swayed by online advertising. They also tend to visit stores on the high street to look at and feel products before making purchases. However, this doesn't mean they don't shop online because the convenience and Online shopping figures uk ease of online shopping is still very appealing to them.

Another interesting aspect to consider when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and expect free shipping on all of their purchases. Additionally, they are more likely to abandon their carts if they believe that shipping costs are too high. Additionally, 61% of over 55s claim that they will add more items to their cart in order to get the threshold of free delivery.

4. Online shopping in the UK depending on gender

In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases, such as electrical and furniture. 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 online shoe shopping websites consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to research 70% of consumers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 epidemic. 69% of these shoppers were looking for brands that backed and collaborated with their local community.

Shoes and clothing are among the most popular products for online shopping in the UK. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online purchased these items by the year 2020. Online sales aren't limited to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports items are also available.

This is why Online Shopping Figures Uk shopping is becoming more popular as a way to get the best deals on these items. Some analysts predict that by 2024, online sales could make up more than a third of all retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the growth of online shopping, whereas others are thriving. Online sales are growing in health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronics.

In the future the online shopping market for these products is expected to continue to grow. As the number of people who use the internet is growing, it is expected that online shopping will become more popular in the near future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it is important for retailers to ensure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and provide a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European ecommerce market. Its consumers are influenced by the ease of shopping, the price and a vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal opportunity for retailers to improve their online presence and offer an easy online shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew significantly as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic as consumers continue to choose online shopping as a viable alternative.

Shopping online is a significant component of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it will comprise three-quarters of retail sales by 2024. This is due to increasing consumer adoption of ecommerce and technological advancements.

57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason they shop online. The 48 percent who say it's easier to find deals and special deals, and the 37% who claim there's a wider selection of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe more than half of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor in their decision to purchase online.

Online shoppers are also willing to try new brands and products. Almost 25% of shoppers online have bought products they've never purchased in a store previously, and a majority are willing to try new products when they shop on an online marketplace like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond of the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have used this option in the last year.

Additionally, a strong online return policy is an essential aspect of the online shopping landscape in the UK. A majority of online buyers (59%) look up a retailer's return policy before buying, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.