Online Shopping Figures For the UK

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

Shopping online is a popular method for shoppers to explore brands and purchase. 45% of them prefer to "buy online and pick up in-store". This is an interesting change in the way people shop that bricks-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's hard to deny that online retail sales in the UK have seen a significant increase over the past few years. According to the 2023 statistics, the B2C online market is expected to reach $120 billion by the end of the year. This increase is the result of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. As a result bricks and mortar stores are experiencing a decline in popularity as more customers prefer online retailers to make their purchases.

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

Fashion is the most favored retail industry in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all online sales. This is probably due to the wider range of items accessible and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without having to leave the comfort of your home. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with latest technology. Hobbies and leisure products are also a popular purchase online, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.

When asked what factors drive consumers to shop online, 57 percent of UK customers cited convenience as the main reason. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison and 37% said they were seeking special deals or discounts. These findings suggest that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts and are more focused upon convenience and a broad product variety.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a regular part of the lives of many UK customers. Be it for electronic gadgets, groceries or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase on the internet within the last year. Shoppers can select from a range of payment options, and decide the time and method they'd like their items delivered.

Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons why shoppers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as the primary reason for purchasing online. Another 48% pointed to lower prices and 37% mentioned a greater choice of options.

UK consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious in their shopping online. For instance 79% of UK online shoppers report recycling boxes and other packaging materials from their purchases. They could be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in an environmentally friendly manner.

In addition to lessening their environmental impact, a few consumers are also trying to make their shopping experience more personal. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that has their size information saved. This allows them to skip the return process, and get what they need faster.

It is interesting to consider that UK customers are reported to be more willing than ever before to wait for online orders. This could be because they are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and have a better understanding of the time it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK by the age group

Shopping online in the UK is a popular activity for a lot of people. The most sought-after purchases are clothes and accessories, followed by food items, and finally media such as music and movies. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for consumers. Online comparisons of products and Shopping online prices are also feasible when making these purchases.

It is essential to realize that online shoppers are a diverse group. This makes it vital for ecommerce companies to understand the type of customer they are searching for when buying products. In addition to this it is crucial to be aware of the amount of time each age group spends shopping online. The younger generation, for example, 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 make use of multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

The older generations are more conservative in their purchasing habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They also prefer visiting high-street stores to touch and feel products before making a decision. This doesn't mean that they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online remain very appealing.

Another interesting aspect to be considered when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and request free shipping on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to leave carts if shipping charges seem excessive. Furthermore, 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their shopping carts in order to get to the free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK depending on gender

Both genders in the UK are equally likely to purchase items online. Women are more likely than men to make major purchases, such as electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups are more likely to buy fashion, home and garden products as well as consumer electronics and products for beauty and health.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and 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 community.

Shoes and clothing are among the most popular products to buy online in the UK. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online bought these items by 2020. However the online sales don't just apply to clothing with a wide range of other items available, such as kitchenware, jewellery, and sports goods.

Shopping online has become more popular for finding the most affordable deals. In fact, some experts predict that ecommerce sales will account for almost 1/3 of all retail sales by 2024.

Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping sites with free international shipping shopping, shopping online whereas others are thriving. In particular, online sales are booming for health, fashion and beauty, home and gardening as well as consumer electronics.

In the near future the future, online shopping for these products is expected to continue to grow. With the number of people having access to the internet growing it is expected that more more people will turn to online shopping in the coming years. 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 provide a secure and easy checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a major European online marketplace. When shopping online the British consumers are influenced by price, convenience, and the wide variety of products. These factors make it a great opportunity for retailers to invest in their online presence and offer an easy online shopping experience.

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

Shopping online is a large component of the UK retail economy Some estimates suggest that it will account for three-quarters of all retail sales in 2024. This is due to the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and technological advancements.

57% of UK online shoppers say that convenience is the main reason they shop online. The 48 percent who say it's easier to find deals and special offers, and the 37% who claim there's a wider selection of products online are closely behind. This contrasts with Europe, where a greater proportion of shoppers stated lower prices as the primary reason for their choice to shop online.

Online shoppers are also eager to test new brands and products. Online shoppers are open to trying new brands and products. Half of people are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a favorite option for UK shoppers, with 29 percent of online shoppers choosing a buy now, pay later option over the last year.

A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also a crucial aspect of ecommerce. The majority of online buyers (59 percent) will check the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and more than half will expect a retailer to be responsible for the return and payment shipping.