Online Shopping Figures For the UK
Since its infancy the market for online retail has grown steadily. This is evident especially in the UK where ecommerce is responsible for 20% of retail sales.
Many people shop online to research brands prior to purchasing, and 45% like to "buy online, then pick it up in store". This is a change in consumer habits that brick-and mortar shops should be aware of.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It's no secret that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. According to data from 2023, the B2C online market is expected to reach almost $120 billion in the next year. This growth is a result of the changing shopping habits of consumers and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. As a result bricks and mortar shops are seeing a decline in popularity as more shoppers turn to online retailers for their purchases.
With this in mind, it's crucial for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to understand what drives consumers to buy online. We've put together retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening and informative to assist you.
Fashion is the most favored retail sector in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all online sales. This is probably due to the wider range of items available and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is second with 16% of all the sales made through e-commerce. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with the most recent technology. Leisure and hobbies are also a favorite purchase online, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.
When asked what factors drive customers to shop online 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the main reason. This is followed by 48% who mentioned price comparison, and 37% who stated they were looking for special discounts or offers. These results suggest that consumers in the UK are less influenced by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and Online Shopping figures uk a broad product range.
2. Online shopping in the uk online shoe shopping websites
Shopping online has become a daily aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. More than half of UK residents aged 65 and older have made a purchase Online Shopping figures uk within the last year. Shoppers can pick from a wide range of payment options and decide the time and method they'd like their items delivered.
There are many motives to shop online, some of the most popular include convenience prices, availability, and price. In fact, 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main reason for their shopping habits. Another 48% cited lower prices while 37% cited a wider choice of options.
The shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may even take action if they feel their deliveries are not coming in environmentally friendly packaging.
In addition to decreasing their environmental impact, some consumers are also trying to make their online shopping experiences more personal. For example, 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 to purchase what they want quicker.
It is interesting to consider that UK shoppers have been reported to be more eager than ever to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that they are more used to the slower delivery times and are more aware 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 favorite pastime for a lot of people. The most popular purchases are clothing and accessories, followed by groceries and then media like movies and music. Online shopping is very popular in the UK, especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These events are extremely convenient for shoppers. Online comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.
It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse. This makes it crucial for ecommerce businesses to understand what their customers are seeking when purchasing products. It is also important to know how long each group of shoppers spends online. For example the younger generation is far more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that the younger generation is time-poor and uses a variety of devices to complete online tasks.
The older generations are, however, likely to have more cautious purchasing habits and are less swayed by online advertising. They are also more likely to visit high street stores to look at and feel items before making purchases. However, this doesn't mean they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping remain very appealing.
Another important aspect to take into consideration when it is about online shopping is that the older generation is more likely to expect and demand free delivery on all of their purchases. In addition they tend to drop their carts if they believe that shipping costs are excessive. In addition, 61% of those over 55 say they will add more items to their cart to get to the free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK by gender
Both genders in the UK are equally likely to shop for items online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases, such as electrical and furniture. Both groups are more likely to purchase fashion cosmetics, health and beauty products as well as home and garden and consumer electronics 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 these consumers looked for brands that supported and worked closely with their local communities.
Shoes and clothing are the most sought-after items to buy online in the UK. In fact, 62 percent of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. Online sales are not restricted to clothing. Other items like jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.
Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular to find best bargains. Some experts believe that by 2024, ecommerce sales could account for nearly a third of retail sales.
Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, while others are thriving. Online sales are growing in fashion, health and wellness, home and garden, and consumer electronic.
In the near future the online shopping market for these items is expected to increase. As the number of internet users continues to grow it is anticipated that online shopping will become more popular in the near future. As online shopping becomes more popular, retailers must 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 one of the leading European ecommerce markets. When shopping online the customers of the UK are influenced by convenience, price, and the wide variety of products. These factors make it a perfect place for retailers to improve their online presence and provide an easy online shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew dramatically because consumers were looking for safer and more convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued post-pandemic, as consumers continue to use online shopping as a viable alternative.
Shopping online is a significant component of UK retail, and some estimates suggest that it could make up a third of retail sales by 2024. This increase is the result of the increasing use of e-commerce by consumers as well as technological advancements.
57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason they shop online. This is followed closely by 48% who say that it is easier to find deals and special offers as well as 37% of shoppers say there's a wider selection of products that are available online. In Europe more than half of consumers cite lower prices as a major factor in their decision to purchase online.
Online shoppers are also eager to test new brands and products. About 25% of online shoppers have bought products they've never purchased in a store before, and half are willing to test new products when they shop on an online marketplace like Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a favorite option for UK shoppers with 29 percent of shoppers using the buy now pay later option in the past year.
A strong online return policy for the UK is also an important aspect of ecommerce. The majority of buyers (59%) go through the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half of them expect the seller to arrange and pay for return shipping.