Online Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Many people shop online to research brands before purchasing and 45% of them prefer to “buy online, then pick up in store”. This is an interesting change in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.

1. Online sales of retail in the UK

It’s not difficult to see that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly over the past few years. According to 2023’s statistics the B2C market for e-commerce is set to hit almost $120 billion by the year 2023. This growth is a result of changing consumer shopping patterns and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as more consumers prefer online stores for their purchases.

With this in mind, it’s important for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives consumers to buy online. We’ve compiled statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye-opening and revealing to help you.

Fashion is the most sought-after retail sector in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all ecommerce sales. This is likely due to the wide range of merchandise and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving your home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of all the sales made through e-commerce. This is due to the constant need for new technology and the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Leisure and hobbies are also popular items to purchase on the internet, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. Then, 48% cited price comparison, while 37% said they were looking for discounts or special offers. These results suggest that consumers in the UK are less price driven than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a large selection of products.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping is becoming a part of the daily routine for many UK consumers. Nearly half of UK residents aged 65 and older have made an online purchase in the last year. With a variety of payment methods available, shoppers can also choose how and when they want their goods to be delivered.

While there are many reasons to shop online among them, the most popular include convenience, price, and availability. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as their primary reason to shop online. Additionally, 48% pointed to lower prices while 37% cited a wider variety of options.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious when it comes to their online shopping habits. 79% of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may even take action if believe that their packages are not being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.

Some consumers want to make their online shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also reduce their carbon footprint. For instance 35% of UK shoppers have bought clothes, footwear, or accessories from a retailer with their size information on the file. This allows them to bypass the return process and get what they want faster.

Interestingly, Luxury Kitchen Faucet UK shoppers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be due to the fact that British consumers are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and know the length of time it takes to receive an item via the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK depending on the age group

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. Clothing and accessories are among the most sought-after purchases followed by food items, and entertainment such as movies and music. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are extremely practical for shoppers. It is also simple to compare prices and products online when making these types of purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it vital for ecommerce companies to understand the type of customer they are seeking when they purchase products. It is also important to know how long each segment of customers spends online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than any other age group. This is due to the fact that the younger generation is less time-conscious, and will use several devices to complete online tasks.

The older generations however tend to have more cautious buying habits and are less affected by online advertising. They also tend to visit stores on the high street to feel and see products before making purchases. This doesn’t mean that they won’t shop online. The convenience and ease of shopping online are still appealing.

Another interesting aspect to be considered when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and demand free shipping on all their purchases. They are also more likely to leave carts when shipping costs appear excessive. Furthermore, 61% of those over 55 say they’ll add more items to their cart to get to 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. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases like electrical and furniture. Both groups tend to spend more on clothing, home and garden products, consumer electronics, and products for Bit Box And Tape Measure Belt Clip beauty and health.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have revealed that 70% of consumers are influenced by how a retailer responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of them seeking out brands that are supportive of and collaborate with their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are the most requested items for online shopping in the UK. 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 products such as kitchenware, jewellery and sports items are also available.

As a result, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to find the best prices on these products. Some experts predict that by 2024, online sales could make up almost one third of retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping while others are flourishing. Online sales are booming in fashion, health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronic.

The trend of buying online for these items is expected to continue to grow in the years ahead. As the number of people who use the internet increases, it is expected that online shopping will be more popular 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 secure and easy checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a major European ecommerce market. When they shop online the British consumers are influenced primarily by convenience, price, and the wide variety of products. These factors make it a great place for retailers to improve their online presence and offer a seamless online shopping experience.

In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales increased dramatically as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued after the pandemic, as consumers continue to buy online as an alternative.

Shopping online is a large portion of the UK retail industry There are estimates that it will comprise three-quarters of all retail sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and technological advancements.

In the UK 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary factor driving them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who highlight that it is easier to discover special deals and offers and 37% who claim that there is a wider range of merchandise available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers mention lower prices as a major factor in their decision to buy online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Online consumers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of them are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this method in the last year.

A strong online return policy for the UK is also a crucial aspect of e-commerce. The majority of buyers (59%) check the return policy of the retailer prior to buying, and more than half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.