Online Shopping Figures For the UK
Since its humble beginnings, the online retail market has grown steadily. This is especially evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of all retail sales.
Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands before purchasing and 45% of them prefer to "buy online, pick up in stores". This is a fascinating shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should take note of.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It's not a secret that online sales of merchandise have risen substantially in the UK over recent years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by next year. This growth is driven by changing consumer shopping habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result, bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as more shoppers are turning to online stores for their purchases.
With this in mind, it's essential for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to understand what drives consumers to buy online. To assist you in this, we've created an assortment of sales figures and other statistics that are both eye-opening and shocking.
Of all the sectors of retail of which fashion is the most well-known with 28 percent of all sales on e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to a greater variety of products that are available and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without having to leave home. Electronics is second with 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is due to the constant need for new devices and the desire to keep up with the latest technology. Leisure and hobbies are also a popular purchase on the internet, accounting for 15% of all online sales.
When asked what drives customers to shop online 57 percent of UK customers cited convenience as the main reason. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison, and 37% who stated they were looking for special discounts or offers. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less price driven than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a wide product range.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Shopping online is now a part of daily life for many UK consumers. It doesn't matter if it's for groceries, electronics or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over 65 have made a purchase online in the past year alone. Shoppers can pick from a variety of payment options and also choose when and how their purchases delivered.
Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers who shop online say that convenience is the primary motive behind their shopping. Then, 48% cited lower prices as a advantage, while 37% cited the availability of more options as well.
UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious with regards to their online shopping habits. 79 percent of UK customers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in a sustainable green manner.
Some consumers wish to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also reduce their carbon footprint. For example, 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that stores their size information. This allows them to skip the return process and obtain what they want faster.
Incredibly, UK consumers are reported to be more willing 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 are aware of how long it takes to receive an item through the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group
Online shopping in the UK is a popular activity for many people. Clothes and accessories are the most popular items followed by food items, and entertainment such as movies and music. Shopping online is very popular in the UK, especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. This is due to the fact that customers find these sales to be extremely convenient. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when making these purchases.
It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it essential for ecommerce companies to understand the demographics their customers are searching for when buying products. In addition to this it is crucial to be aware of how much time each age group spends shopping online. The younger generation, for example, is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is due to the fact that the younger generation has less time, and will use several devices to complete online tasks.
The older generations are more conservative in their purchasing habits and less influenced by online advertisements. They also tend to go to stores in the high street to see and touch items before making purchases. This does not mean they won't shop online. The convenience and ease of Online shopping figures uk shopping are still appealing.
Another interesting aspect to think about when it concerns online shopping is that older generation is more likely to demand and expect free delivery on all purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts if shipping charges seem excessive. Additionally, 61% of over 55s say they'll add additional items to their carts to meet a free delivery threshold.
4. online shopping uk amazon shopping in the UK according to gender
In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. However, women are more likely to make large purchases, such as furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are more likely to purchase clothing household 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 studies, 70% of shoppers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 epidemic. 69% of those shoppers searched for Online shopping figures uk brands that were supportive and were in close contact with their local community.
The most sought-after online shopping products in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact, 62% of British women who shop online will purchase these items by the year 2020. Online sales aren't just only limited to clothing. Other products such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.
In the process, online shopping is becoming more popular as a method to find the most affordable prices on these products. In fact, some analysts predict that e-commerce sales will account for nearly one-third of all retail sales in 2024.
Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping while others are prospering. Online sales are increasing in fashion, health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronics.
The trend of purchasing online for these items is expected to continue grow in the years ahead. With the number of people who have access to the internet continuing to increase it is expected that more and increasing numbers of people will be turning to online shopping in the near future. As online shopping grows more popular, merchants should 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 marketplace. When it comes to online shopping the customers of the UK are influenced primarily by price, convenience and a variety of products. These factors make it an ideal location for retailers to build their online presence and offer an easy online shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew significantly because consumers were looking for safer and more convenient options for shopping. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as an attractive alternative.
Shopping online is a significant component of UK retail, and some estimates suggest that it could make up one-third of sales by 2024. This growth is a result of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by customers and technological advances.
57% of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the main reason they shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who say that it is easier to discover special deals and offers, and 37% of shoppers say there's a wider selection of products that are available online. In Europe, a higher proportion of consumers cite lower prices as a key factor for their decision to purchase online.
Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Online customers are willing to try new brands and products. Half of them are willing to do so when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are fond of the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online have made use of this option in the last year.
Additionally, a robust online return policy is an essential aspect of the online shopping environment in the UK. The majority of buyers (59%) go through the return policy of the retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.