Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The online retail market has grown exponentially since its inception. This is evident especially in the UK where ecommerce is responsible for 20% of retail sales.
Many consumers use online shopping to research brands before purchasing, and 45% like 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 shopping Figures uk retail sales in the UK
It's not a secret that online sales of merchandise have increased significantly in the UK in recent years. In fact, 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 is because of shifting consumer habits and the adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. As a result bricks and mortar shops are experiencing a decline in popularity as more consumers are turning to online retailers for their purchases.
To do this, it's essential that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers know what drives shoppers to purchase online. To assist you in this, we've compiled an assortment of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.
Of all the retail industries of which fashion is the most well-known and accounts for 28 percent of all sales on e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the wide variety of items and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is due to the constant demand for new technology and the desire to keep up with the most recent technology. Online sales of leisure and hobby products account for 15% of all ecommerce sales.
When asked about the factors that drive shoppers to shop online 57 percent of UK consumers said convenience was the main reason. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison and 37% stated they were looking for special deals or discounts. These results indicate that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused upon convenience and a wide range.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Shopping online is now a part of daily life for many UK consumers. Be it for electronic gadgets, groceries or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase on the internet in the past year alone. With a wide range of payment options available customers can also decide the time and date they would like their items to be delivered.
There are many motives to shop online among them, the most popular include convenience prices, availability, and price. In fact 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary reason for their shopping habits. Additionally, 48% cited lower prices, while 37% cited a wider selection of choices.
Online shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79% of UK customers recycle boxes and online shopping Figures uk other packaging materials from their online purchases. They could decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an eco friendly manner.
In addition to lessening their environmental impact, some consumers are also trying to make their online shopping experience more personal. For instance 35 percent of UK shoppers have bought clothing or footwear from a retailer that has their size information on file. This allows them to avoid the return process, and to get what they want faster.
It is interesting to consider that UK consumers are reported to be more eager than ever to wait for online orders. This could be because they are more used to the longer delivery times and have a better understanding of how long it takes for the item to be delivered via the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group
Shopping online in the UK is a popular activity for many people. Clothes and accessories are the most sought-after purchases, followed by groceries, and media like music and movies. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for consumers. It is also simple to compare prices and products online when making these types of purchases.
It is essential to realize that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This makes it vital for online retailers to know the type of customer they are seeking when they purchase products. In addition to this it is crucial to be aware of the amount of time each age group is spending shopping 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 is less time-conscious and will make use of multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.
The older generation tends to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by online advertisements. They are also more likely to go to stores in the high street to feel and see products prior to making a purchase. But this doesn't mean that they don't shop online, as the convenience and ease of use of online shopping is still very appealing to them.
Another important aspect to be considered when shopping online is that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and request free shipping on all of their purchases. They are also more likely to drop carts if shipping charges seem excessive. Furthermore, as many as 61% of people over 55 claim that they will add more items to their cart in order to reach the free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender
In the UK both genders are equally likely to shop online. However, women are more likely to make big purchases, such as furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are more likely to shop for fashion, health and beauty, home and garden, and consumer electronics products.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have shown that 70% of consumers are influenced by the way a company responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 69% of these looking for brands that support and collaborate with their local communities.
The most sought-after online shopping products in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers bought these items in the year 2020. However online sales aren't limited to the clothing sector with a wide range of other items available, like kitchenware, jewellery and sports goods.
In the process, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a way to get the best deals on these items. Some experts predict that by 2024, ecommerce sales could account for nearly a third of retail sales.
Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, whereas others are flourishing. Particularly the online market is booming for fashion, health and beauty, home and gardening, and consumer electronics.
The trend of purchasing online for these items is expected to continue increase in the years ahead. As the number of internet users increases it is anticipated that online shopping will increase in popularity in the future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it is crucial for retailers to ensure that their sites are optimized for mobile devices and that they provide a secure and easy checkout process.
5. online shopping uk for clothes shopping in the UK by region
The UK is among the leading European online marketplaces. When shopping online the customers of the UK are mostly influenced by price, convenience, and the variety of items. These factors make it an ideal location for retailers to build their online presence and offer a seamless online shopping experience.
In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales increased significantly as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as a viable alternative.
Online shopping is a major component of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it could make up a third of retail sales by 2024. This growth is driven by increasing consumer adoption of ecommerce and technological advancements.
57% of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the main reason for them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who highlight 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 shoppers mention lower prices as a key factor for their decision to buy online.
The online shoppers are also keen to test new brands and products. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of people are willing to do so 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 made use of this option in the last year.
A strong online return policy for the UK is also a crucial aspect of ecommerce. The majority of online buyers (59%) will research the returns policy of a retailer prior buying, and nearly half will expect the retailer to be responsible for organizing and paying for return shipping.