Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings, the online retail market has grown steadily. This is particularly evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of all retail sales.

Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% of them prefer to "buy online, pick up in stores". This is an interesting change in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should take note of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's not a secret that online sales of merchandise have increased dramatically in the UK in recent years. In fact, according to data from 2023, the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by next year. This increase is the result of changing consumer shopping patterns and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Brick and mortar shops are losing popularity as consumers increasingly prefer online retailers.

To do this, it's essential that both omni-channel and pureplay retailers understand what draws shoppers to purchase online. We've collected retail sales figures and stats that are both eye opening and informative to assist you.

Of all the retail sectors of which is best for online grocery shopping fashion is the most well-known with 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is likely due to a greater variety of merchandise available and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without having to leave the comfort of your home. Electronics is second with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the desire to stay up-to-date with most recent technology. Leisure and hobbies are also a favorite purchase online, with 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% cited convenience. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison and 37% said they were seeking special offers or discounts. These findings indicate that UK shoppers are less price-driven than their European counterparts, and are more focused upon convenience and a wide variety.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is becoming part of daily life for online shopping figures uk many UK customers. It doesn't matter if it's for electronics, groceries, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made an online purchase in the past year alone. With a variety of payment options, shoppers can also choose the time and date they would like their purchases to be delivered.

Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons shoppers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as their main reason to shop online. In addition, 48% mentioned lower prices as a benefit, while 37% mentioned the availability of more choices as well.

Online shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming more eco-conscious. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may even take action if believe that their packages are not being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.

Some customers want to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also reduce their carbon footprint. For example 35 percent of UK shoppers have bought clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer with their measurements on the file. This allows them to skip the return process and get what they need faster.

It is interesting to note that UK shoppers have been reported to be more eager than ever before to wait for online orders. This could 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

Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. Clothing and accessories are among the most popular purchases followed by groceries and media such as music and movies. Shopping online is very popular in the UK, especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These sales are extremely convenient for consumers. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when purchasing these items.

It is important to know that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This makes it vital for ecommerce companies to understand the type of customer they are looking for when purchasing products. Additionally it is crucial to know how much time each age group is spending shopping 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 this age group is very time-poor and will use multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generation however tend to have more conservative buying habits and are less influenced by online advertising. They also prefer to visit shops in the high street to experience products before making a decision. However, this doesn't mean they won't shop online. The convenience and ease of shopping online are still appealing.

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 request free shipping on all their purchases. They are also more likely to drop carts when shipping costs appear excessive. Moreover 61% of people over 55 say that they will add more items to their carts to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online Shopping Figures Uk shopping in the UK by gender

Men and women in the UK are equally likely to purchase goods on the internet. However women are more likely to make large purchases, such as electrical appliances or furniture, than men. Both groups are also more likely to shop for 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. According to research, 70% of shoppers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 epidemic. 69% of consumers searched for brands that were supportive and were in close contact with their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are among the most requested items for online shopping in the UK. In fact, a whopping 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. However online sales aren't limited to the clothing sector with a wide range of other products available like kitchenware, jewellery and sports items.

Online shopping has become increasingly popular to find best deals. In fact, some analysts predict that e-commerce sales will account for almost one-third of all retail sales in 2024.

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

The trend for buying these items online is expected to continue to grow in the years ahead. As the number of internet users is growing it is anticipated that online shopping will be more popular in the future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it's crucial for retailers to ensure that 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 leading European eCommerce markets. The majority of its customers are influenced convenience, price and a variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal place for retailers to invest in their online presence and provide an effortless shopping experience online.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales grew significantly because consumers were looking for safe and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued after the pandemic as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.

Shopping online is a significant aspect of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it could comprise a third of retail sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and technological advancements.

In the UK 57% of online shoppers say convenience is the primary reason for online shopping Figures uk them to shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find bargains and special offers, and the 37% who claim there is a greater range of products online are closely behind. This is in contrast to Europe where a larger percentage of consumers said that lower prices were the primary reason for their decision to shop online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Nearly 25% of online shoppers have purchased products that they've never seen on the high-street before, and half are willing to test new items when purchasing from the marketplaces like Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a favorite option for UK customers, with 29 percent of shoppers using a buy now pay later option in the past year.

A strong online return policy for the UK is also an important aspect of e-commerce. The majority of buyers (59%) look up the return policy of the retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.