Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its humble beginnings, the online retail market has continued to grow. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of all retail sales.

Many consumers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing, and 45% like to "buy online, then pick up in stores". This is a change in the way people shop that brick-and-mortar shops should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's hard to deny that online retail sales in the UK have grown significantly over the past few years. In fact, according to 2023 statistics the B2C market for e-commerce is expected to reach nearly $120 billion by next year. This growth is due to changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as consumers increasingly turn to online retailers.

With this in mind, it's essential for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to know what motivates shoppers to buy online. To assist you in this, we've compiled an assortment of sales figures and other statistics that are both eye-opening as well as informative.

Fashion is the most popular 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 is the second most popular, with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets, as well as the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products represent 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% cited convenience. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison, and 37% who indicated they were seeking special discounts or 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 wide product range.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a regular part of the lives of many UK customers. Whether it's to buy groceries, electronics, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over 65 have made a purchase on the internet in the last year. Shoppers can pick from a variety of payment options and decide when and how they want their products delivered.

Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons why consumers shop online. In fact 57% of shoppers who shop online mention convenience as the primary reason for their shopping habits. Then, 48% cited lower prices as an additional advantage, while 37% cited the availability of more choices as well.

The habits of online shopping among UK customers are also becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. For example 79 percent 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 they think their purchases aren't being delivered in environmentally friendly packaging.

Certain consumers 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 instance, 35% of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, Vimeo or accessories from a retailer with their size information stored on file. This lets them skip the return process and get what they want quicker.

Interestingly, UK shoppers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because UK shoppers are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and are aware of the length of time it takes to receive an item through the mail.

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

Shopping online in the UK is a very popular pastime for a lot of people. The most popular purchases are clothes and accessories, followed by groceries, and finally media such as music and Video Baby Monitor With Vox movies. Shopping online 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. It is also simple to compare prices and products online when making these kinds of purchases.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This makes it essential for ecommerce companies to understand what their target audience is seeking when they purchase products. It is also important to understand 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 because the younger generation is less time-conscious and uses a variety of devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation on the other hand tend to have more conservative purchasing habits and are less swayed by advertisements on the internet. They are also more likely to go to stores in the high street to feel and see products prior to making a purchase. This doesn't mean that they won't shop online. The convenience and ease of shopping online are still very appealing.

Another important aspect to take into consideration when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to expect and expect free shipping on all of their purchases. Additionally, they tend to drop their carts if they believe that shipping costs are too high. In addition 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

In the UK both genders are equally likely to shop online. However women are more likely to make large purchases, like furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are more likely to purchase fashion products, home and garden items, consumer electronics, and health and beauty products.

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 the way a retailer responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of them searching for brands that support and collaborate baking tool with scale mark their local communities.

Shoes and clothing are among the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact, 62 percent of British women who shop online purchased these items by the year 2020. Online sales aren't just only limited to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewellery and sports equipment are also available.

In the process, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to find the best prices on these items. Some analysts estimate that by 2024 the sales from e-commerce could be nearly a third of retail sales.

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

The trend of buying these products online is likely to continue to expand in the years ahead. With the number of people with access to the internet growing It is anticipated that increasing numbers of people will be turning to online shopping in the future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it's essential for retailers to make sure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and that they offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European online marketplace. The customers are influenced by convenience, price and a wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it a great location for retailers looking to improve their web presence and offer an easy shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales increased dramatically as people sought out safe and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued following the pandemic, as consumers continue to shop online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a major portion of the UK retail economy Some estimates suggest that it will comprise three-quarters of all retail sales by 2024. This increase is the result of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by customers and technological advances.

In the UK 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main factor driving them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who state that it is easier to find deals and special offers, and 37% who say there's a wider selection of products available online. This is in contrast to Europe where a larger percentage of consumers said that lower prices were the main reason behind their choice to shop online.

Online shoppers are also eager to try new brands and products. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of them are willing to do so when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond of the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online 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 percent) check the return policy of the retailer prior to buying, and more than half of them expect the seller to arrange and pay for return shipping.