Online Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Many consumers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing, and 45% like to "buy online, then pick up in store". This is an interesting shift in consumer behavior that bricks and mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

There's no doubt that online sales of merchandise have increased dramatically in the UK over recent years. According to the 2023 statistics, the B2C market for online shopping is expected to reach almost $120 billion in the next year. This growth is driven by changing consumer shopping habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result bricks and mortar stores are seeing a decline in popularity as more consumers are turning to online retailers for their purchases.

With this in mind, it's crucial for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to know what motivates consumers to buy online. To assist you in this, we've compiled an assortment of retail sales figures and statistics that are both eye-opening and shocking.

Of all the sectors of retail that are available, fashion is the most popular and accounts for 28 percent of all sales on e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a wider variety of items and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving 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 keep up with the most recent technology. Hobbies and leisure products are also a popular purchase online, accounting for 15% of all online sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. Then, 48% mentioned price comparison while 37% said they were seeking discounts or special deals. These results suggest that consumers 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 has become a daily part of life for many UK residents. It doesn't matter if it's for electronics, groceries or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online in the last year. With a wide variety of payment options available, shoppers can also choose how and when they want their goods to be delivered.

There are many reasons for online shoppers to shop Some of the most common include convenience price, availability, and price. In fact, 57% of shoppers who shop online mention convenience as the primary reason for their shopping habits. Then, another 48% pointed to lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider variety of options.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious with regards to their online shopping habits. 79 percent of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They might even take action if believe that their packages are not being delivered in environmentally friendly packaging.

In addition to decreasing their impact on the environment, some customers are also seeking to make their online shopping experience more personal. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have bought clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer that has their size information saved. This lets them to skip the return process, and get what they need quicker.

It is interesting to note that UK customers are reported to be more likely to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because they are more accustomed to the slower 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 in the UK is a popular activity for a large number of people. Clothes and accessories are the most sought-after purchases, followed by groceries, and entertainment such as movies and music. Online shopping is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are extremely convenient for consumers. It is also simple to compare prices and items on the internet when making these kinds of purchases.

It is essential to realize that online shoppers are diverse. This is why it is crucial for online retailers to know what their target audience is looking for when purchasing products. It is also important to understand how much time each segment of customers spends online. For instance, the younger generation is far more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is very constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generations however tend to have more shrewd buying habits and are less swayed by the online ads. They also prefer to visit high-street stores to experience products before making a final decision. However, this doesn't mean they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online remain very appealing.

Another important aspect to take into consideration when it comes to online shopping is that older generation is more likely to anticipate and expect free delivery on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to leave carts if shipping charges seem excessive. In addition, 61% of those over 55 say they'll add more items to their shopping carts in order in order to reach the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender

Women and men in the UK are equally likely to shop for products online. However, women are more likely to make large purchases, such as electrical appliances or furniture, than men. Both groups are more likely to purchase fashion cosmetics, health and beauty products gardening, home and garden and consumer electronics.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and vimeo community-based. According to studies, 70% of shoppers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 outbreak. 69% of those shoppers searched for brands that were supportive and collaborated with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping products in the UK are footwear and clothing. In fact, 62% of British women who shop online bought these items by 2020. Online sales aren't only limited to clothing. Other items like kitchenware, jewelry, and sports items are also available.

In the process, online shopping is becoming more popular as a method to get the best deals on these products. In fact, some analysts predict that ecommerce sales will make up nearly one third of all retail sales in 2024.

Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, while others are prospering. Online sales are increasing in fashion, health and vimeo wellness as well as home and garden and consumer electronic.

In the near future the future, online shopping for these items is expected to increase. With the number of people with access to the internet growing it is expected that more customers will opt for online shopping in the coming years. As online shopping grows more popular, merchants should ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also provide a simple and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European online retail market. Its consumers are influenced by convenience, price and a variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it a great location for retailers to build their online presence and Vimeo provide a seamless online shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew dramatically as consumers chose secure and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued following the pandemic, as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.

Shopping online is a significant aspect of UK retail and some estimates suggest that it will make up one-third of sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advances in technology.

57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the main reason they shop online. The 48% who say it's easier to find bargains and special offers as well as the 37% who claim that there's a greater selection of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers mention lower prices as a key factor Vimeo in their decision to buy online.

Online shoppers are also willing to try new brands and products. Nearly 25% of shoppers online have bought items they've never purchased on the high street previously, and handcrafted Cigarette case a majority are eager to try new products when they shop on a marketplace like Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have made use of this method in the last year.

A solid return policy for online purchases for the UK is also a crucial aspect of ecommerce. The majority of buyers (59 percent) go through the return policy of the retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.