Online Shopping Figures Uk Shopping Figures For the UK
The market for online retail has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. This is particularly evident in the UK where ecommerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.
Shopping online is a common method for consumers to research brands and make purchases. About 45% of them prefer to "buy online and then pick it up in store". This is a shift in the way people shop that brick-and-mortar shops should be aware of.
1. Retail sales online in the UK
There's no doubt that retail sales online have grown significantly in the UK over recent years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C market for e-commerce is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by next year. This growth is a result of shifting consumer habits 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 are turning to online retailers for their purchases.
To achieve this, it's essential that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers understand what motivates customers to buy online. To help you do this, we've created an assortment of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as informative.
Fashion is the most popular retail industry in the UK accounting for 28 percent of all online sales. This is likely due to the wider range of products that are available and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is second with 16% of the sales on e-commerce. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with most recent technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products make up 15% of all online sales.
When asked about the reason they shop online shopping websites clothes, 57% cited convenience. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison and 37% said they were seeking special deals or discounts. These findings 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
Online shopping is becoming a part of the daily routine for many UK consumers. Be it for electronic gadgets, groceries or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over 65 have made an online purchase within the last year. Shoppers can choose from a variety of payment options and also choose when and how their items delivered.
Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons why consumers shop online. In fact, 57% of people cite convenience as the primary reason for purchasing online. Another 48% pointed to lower prices and 37% cited a wider variety of options.
The shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79 percent of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They can take action if their orders are not packaged in an environmentally green manner.
In addition to reducing their environmental impact, a few customers are also seeking to make their online shopping experience more personal. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who has their size information stored. This allows them to skip the return process and get what they want quicker.
Interestingly, UK consumers are reported to be more likely to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because UK consumers are more accustomed to the slower delivery time and know how long it takes to receive an item via the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group
Online shopping in the UK is a favorite pastime for many people. The most sought-after purchases are clothes and accessories followed by groceries and then media such as music and movies. Shopping online is also popular in the uk online shopping sites like amazon during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These sales are extremely convenient for shoppers. It is also simple to compare prices and items online when making these kinds of purchases.
It is crucial to remember that online shoppers are very diverse. This is why it is crucial for e-commerce companies to know what their target market is seeking when it comes to purchasing products. It is also crucial to know how much time each segment of customers spends online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is because this age group is constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to complete online tasks.
The older generations on the other hand tend to have more conservative buying habits and are less affected by online advertising. They also prefer to go to high-end stores to feel and touch products before making a final decision. But this doesn't mean that they will not buy online, as the convenience and ease of use of online shopping is still extremely appealing to them.
A second interesting factor to be considered when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and demand free shipping on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to leave carts if shipping costs seem excessive. Additionally, 61% of people over 55 say that they will add more items to their carts to get a free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with gender
In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases such as electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups are more likely to buy fashion, home and garden products consumer electronics, as well as cosmetics and health products.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to research, 70% of shoppers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 epidemic. 69% of shoppers searched for brands that were supportive and worked closely with their local community.
The most sought-after online shopping products in the UK are footwear and clothing. In fact, a whopping 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in 2020. Online sales are not restricted to clothing. Other products such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.
Online shopping has become increasingly popular to find most affordable bargains. In fact, some analysts predict that online sales will make up nearly one-third of all retail sales in 2024.
While some retailers are struggling to keep up with the growth in online sales, others are flourishing. Online sales are increasing in health and Online Shopping Figures Uk wellness, home and garden, and consumer electronics.
The trend of buying online for these items is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. With the number of people having access to the internet continuing to increase it is expected that more more people will turn to online shopping in the near future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is 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 majority of its customers are influenced the ease of shopping, the price and a wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it a perfect place for retailers to improve their online presence and provide an effortless shopping experience online.
In the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales increased dramatically as people sought out safer and more convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as a viable alternative.
Online shopping is an important part of UK retail, and some estimates suggest that it will account for one-third of sales by 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and advances in technology.
57 percent of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the main reason they shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who highlight that it is easier to discover special deals and offers as well as 37% of shoppers say there's a greater variety of products that are available online. This contrasts with Europe, where a greater percentage of shoppers stated lower prices as the key driver for their purchase online.
Consumers are also open to trying 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 like Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now and pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have used this option during the last year.
A strong online return policy for the UK is also an important aspect of e-commerce. The majority of online shoppers (59%) will look up the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and more than half will expect the seller to be responsible for organizing and paying for return shipping.
