Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The market for online retailers has grown continuously since its inception. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce is responsible for 20% of all retail sales.
Online shopping is a popular method for shoppers to look up brands and make purchases. About 45% of them prefer to "buy online and then pick it up in store". This is a change in consumer habits that brick-and mortar shops must be aware of.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It's no secret that sales of online retail in the UK have seen a significant increase in the last few years. According to data from 2023 the B2C e-commerce market is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by the end of next year. This growth is fueled by the changing habits of consumers and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as customers increasingly turn to online retailers.
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 put together an assortment of sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.
Fashion is the most popular retail industry in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is probably due to a wider selection of items accessible and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is the second most popular with 16% of online sales. This is due to the constant need for new technology, as well as the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products account for 15% of all ecommerce sales.
When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% said it was because of convenience. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison, while 37% stated that they were seeking discounts or special offers. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a large product range.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Online shopping is now a regular part of life for many UK residents. Whether it's to buy groceries, electronics or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online in the last year. With a wide range of payment options buyers can also pick the best time and method for their purchases to be delivered.
There are many motives for online shoppers to shop, some of the most popular are convenience, price, and availability. In fact, 57% of online shoppers say that convenience is the primary motive behind their shopping. Additionally, 48% pointed to lower prices and 37% mentioned a greater choice of options.
Online shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may even take action if feel their deliveries are not coming in environmentally friendly packaging.
In addition to decreasing their environmental impact, a few consumers are also trying to make their online shopping experiences more personal. For example, 35% of UK shoppers have bought clothes, footwear, or accessories from a retailer with their size information stored on the file. This lets them skip the return process and to get what they want faster.
It is interesting to note that UK customers are reported to be more eager than ever to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that UK shoppers are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and understand the length of time it takes to receive an item in the mail.
3. good online shopping sites uk shopping in the UK according to age group
Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. The most sought-after purchases are clothing and accessories, followed by groceries, and finally media such as music and movies. Shopping online is very popular in the UK particularly during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for consumers. It is also easy to compare prices and products online Shopping figures uk when making these types of purchases.
It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse and this makes it essential for ecommerce businesses to understand what their target market is looking for when they purchase products. It is also important to know how long each group of shoppers 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 has less time, and will use several devices to accomplish online tasks.
The older generation on the other hand tend to have more cautious buying habits and are less affected by the online ads. They also prefer visiting high-street stores to touch and feel products before making a decision. But this doesn't mean they will not buy online because the convenience and ease of online shopping is very appealing to them.
Another important aspect to take into consideration when it is about online shopping websites list 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 costs seem excessive. In addition, 61% of those over 55 claim that they will add additional items to their carts to meet a free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK by gender
In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases like electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups are also more likely to purchase fashion, health and beauty gardening, home and online Shopping figures uk garden and consumer electronics products.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have found that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 69% of them seeking out brands that are supportive of and are in close contact with their local communities.
Shoes and clothing are among the most popular products to buy online in the UK. In fact, a whopping 62 percent of female British online shoppers bought these items in the year 2020. Online sales aren't just limited to clothing. Other products such as kitchenware, jewellery and sports items are also available.
Shopping online has become increasingly popular to find most affordable deals. Some experts estimate that by 2024 ecommerce sales could account for more than a third of all retail sales.
While some retailers are struggling to cope with the increase in online shopping, other are thriving. In particular, online sales are booming for health, fashion and beauty, home and gardening and consumer electronics.
The trend for buying online for these items is likely to continue to expand in the years ahead. As the number of people who use the internet continues to grow, it is expected that online shopping will become more popular in the future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it's essential for retailers to make sure their websites are optimized for mobile devices and offer an easy and secure checkout process.
5. Online shopping in the UK by region
The UK is a major European online retail market. When they shop online, the UK's consumers are influenced by price, convenience, and a variety of products. These factors make it a great place for retailers who want to invest in their web presence and offer a seamless shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales grew significantly as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued even after the outbreak as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.
Shopping online is a significant part of UK retail and some estimates suggest that it could make up one-third of sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advancements in technology.
57 percent of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. The 48% who say it's easier to find bargains and special deals as well as the 37% who say there is a greater range of products online are closely behind. In Europe the majority of shoppers mention lower prices as a key reason for them to purchase online.
Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Online consumers are open to trying new brands and products. Half of them are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online have used this option in the last year.
Additionally, a robust online return policy is a crucial aspect of the online shopping environment in the UK. The majority of online buyers (59 percent) will look up the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half will expect a retailer to be responsible for the return and payment shipping.