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 represents 20% of all retail sales.
Many consumers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% of them prefer to "buy online, then pick up in store". This is an interesting shift in the way people shop that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.
1. Retail sales online in the UK
There's no doubt that retail sales online have risen significantly in the UK over recent years. According to data from 2023, the B2C online market is predicted to grow to $120 billion by the end of the year. This growth is due to the changing habits of consumers and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result, bricks and mortar stores are seeing a decline in popularity as more customers turn to online stores for their purchases.
In order to do this, it's crucial that both pureplay and omnichannel retailers understand what draws customers to buy online. We've compiled statistics and figures on retail sales that are both eye opening and informative to assist you.
Of all the retail sectors that are available, fashion is the most well-known, accounting for 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is probably due to a wider selection of merchandise available and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without leaving home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of the sales made through e-commerce. This is due to the constant demand for new technology and the desire to stay up-to-date with the most recent technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products represent 15% of all ecommerce sales.
When asked what drives customers to shop online, 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison, and 37% who stated they were looking for special deals or discounts. These findings suggest that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a wide product variety.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Shopping online is a common aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. Nearly half of UK people aged 65 and older have made a purchase online within the last year. Shoppers can i buy from a uk website select from a wide range of payment options and choose when and how their products delivered.
Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons why customers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as the primary reason for purchasing online. Then, online Shopping Figures Uk 48% cited lower prices as another benefit, while 37% mentioned an increased selection of choices as well.
The shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. For instance, 79 percent of UK online shoppers report that they recycle boxes and other packaging materials they have purchased from their purchases. They could be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in an environmentally green manner.
In addition to reducing their environmental impact, a few customers are also seeking to make their shopping experiences more personal. For example, 35% of UK consumers have purchased clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer that stores their size information. This allows them to avoid the return process and get what they want quicker.
Interestingly, UK shoppers are reported to be more willing 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 how long it takes for an item to arrive in the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group
Online shopping in the UK is a very popular pastime for a lot of people. The most popular purchases are clothing and accessories, followed by food items, 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. This is due to the fact that consumers find these events very convenient. Online comparisons of prices and products are also possible when purchasing these items.
It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are diverse. This is why it is crucial for online retailers to know the type of customer they are looking for when purchasing products. It is also crucial to understand how much time each segment of customers spends online. For instance the younger generation is more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to complete online tasks.
The older generation tends to be more sceptical about their buying habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They also prefer to go to high-street stores to experience products before making a decision. This doesn't mean that they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping are still very appealing.
Another important aspect to be considered when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to expect and demand free shipping on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to leave carts when shipping costs appear excessive. In addition 61% of people over 55 say that they will add more items to their carts to reach the free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with gender
In the UK both genders are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make big purchases, such as electrical and furniture. Both groups tend to spend more on fashion, home and garden products, consumer electronics, and products for beauty and health.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have revealed that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way a company responded to the COVID-19 epidemic, with 69% of these searching for brands that support and collaborate with their local communities.
The most sought-after online shopping items in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. Online sales are not only limited to clothing. Other items like jewellery, kitchenware and sports goods are also available.
As a result, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a way to find the most affordable prices on these products. Some experts predict that by 2024, online sales could make up more than a third of all retail sales.
While some retailers are struggling to cope with the increase in online shopping, other are flourishing. Online sales are booming in health and wellness as well as home and garden and consumer electronics.
The trend for buying these products online is expected to continue increase in the coming years. With the number of people having access to the internet continuing to increase, it is anticipated that customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. As online shopping grows more popular, merchants must ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also provide an easy and secure checkout process.
5. Online shopping in the UK by region
The UK is a top European online retail market. The majority of its customers are influenced convenience, price and a wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it a great location for retailers to build their online presence and offer an effortless shopping experience online.
In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew significantly as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic, as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as an attractive alternative.
Online shopping is a major part of UK retail, and some estimates suggest that it could comprise a third of retail sales by 2024. This is due to the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and technological advancements.
57% of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who highlight that it is easier to find special offers and deals and 37% who claim that there is a wider range of products that are available online. In Europe more than half of consumers cite lower prices as a key factor in their decision to buy online Shopping Figures Uk.
Online shoppers are also willing to try new products and brands. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of them are willing to try them when they shop on marketplaces like 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 during the last year.
A strong online return policy for the UK is also an important aspect of e-commerce. The majority of shoppers (59 percent) will look up the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and more than half will expect the retailer to be responsible for the return and payment shipping.