Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The market for online retail has been growing continuously since its humble beginnings. This is especially evident in the UK where ecommerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.
Shopping online is a popular method for consumers to research brands and make purchases. About 45% of them prefer to "buy online and pick up in store". This is a fascinating shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
There's no doubt that online sales of merchandise have risen substantially in the UK over recent years. In fact, according to 2023's statistics the B2C e-commerce market is expected to reach nearly $120 billion by the end of 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 experiencing a decline in popularity as more customers prefer online retailers to make their purchases.
With this in mind, it's essential for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to understand what is the best online shopping in uk drives consumers to buy online. To help you understand this, we've created an assortment of retail sales figures and other statistics that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.
Of all the retail industries, fashion is the most popular and accounts for 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a wider variety of items and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and the need to keep up with latest technology. Online sales of hobbies and leisure products represent 15% of all online sales.
When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% cited convenience. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison, and 37% who said they were looking for special offers or discounts. These findings indicate that UK consumers are less influenced by price than their European counterparts and are more focused upon convenience and a broad product selection.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Shopping online is a common aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. Be it for groceries, electronics, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online shopping figures uk in the last year. Shoppers can select from a variety of payment options, and decide when and how they want their products delivered.
Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons consumers shop online. In fact 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main motive behind their shopping. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider choice of options.
UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious when it comes to their online shopping habits. For example, 79% of UK online shoppers say they recycle boxes and other packaging materials that they use in their purchases. They may be able to take action if they find that their purchases are not packaged in a sustainable friendly manner.
In addition to reducing their impact on the environment, some consumers are also trying to make their online shopping experience more personal. For example, 35% of UK customers have purchased clothes or footwear from a retailer with their size information on file. This allows them to bypass the return process and get what they want faster.
It is interesting to know that UK customers are reported to be more willing than ever to wait for online orders. This may be because they are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for the item to be delivered via the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to age group
Online shopping in the UK is a favorite pastime for a lot of people. Clothes and accessories are the most sought-after purchases, followed by groceries, and media like movies and music. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. This is because consumers find these events very convenient. Online comparisons of products and prices are also possible when making these purchases.
It is crucial to remember that online shoppers are diverse. This makes it crucial for ecommerce businesses to understand what their customers are seeking when it comes to purchasing products. In addition to this, it is also important to be aware of the amount of time each age group is spending shopping online. For instance, the younger generation is far more likely to shop 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 accomplish online tasks.
Older generations tend to be more cautious in their buying habits and less influenced by online advertising. They also prefer to go to high-street stores to experience products before making a decision. But this doesn't mean they will not buy online due to the convenience and ease of use of online shopping remains extremely appealing to them.
Another interesting aspect to think about when it concerns online shopping is that the older generation is more likely to demand and demand free delivery on all purchases. Additionally, they are more likely to abandon their carts when they believe that shipping costs are prohibitive. Moreover 61% of those over 55 say they'll add more items to their carts in order to reach the free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender
In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases like furniture and electrical appliances. Both groups are also more likely to shop for fashion as well as health and beauty gardening, 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 found that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way the retailer has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% of these searching for brands that support and are in close contact with their local communities.
Shoes and clothing are the most requested items for online shopping in the UK. In fact, 62% of British women who shop online bought these items by the year 2020. Online sales are not only limited to clothing. Other items like jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.
In the process, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to find the best prices on these items. In fact, some analysts predict that e-commerce sales will account for almost 1/3 of all retail sales by 2024.
Some retailers are struggling with the growth of online shopping, whereas others are prospering. Online sales are growing in health and wellness as well as home and online shopping figures uk garden and consumer electronic.
In the future the online shopping market for these products is expected to increase. As the number of internet users is growing it is expected that online shopping will increase in popularity in the future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is crucial for retailers to ensure that their websites 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 leading European online retail market. The majority of its customers are influenced the ease of shopping, the price and a variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal spot for retailers who wish to improve their online presence and offer an easy shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales increased significantly as consumers opted for safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued after the outbreak as consumers continue to shop online as an alternative.
Online shopping is a significant component of the UK retail economy Some estimates suggest that it will account for three-quarters of all retail sales by 2024. This is because of the increasing use of e-commerce by customers and technological advances.
57 percent of UK online shoppers say that convenience is the main reason they shop online. The 48% who say it's easier to find bargains and special offers as well as the 37% who claim there is a greater range of merchandise available online are behind. This contrasts with Europe, where a greater proportion of shoppers stated lower prices as the key driver for their decision to shop online.
The online shoppers are also keen to test new products and brands. Online customers are willing to try new brands and products. Half of them are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this option in the past year.
A solid return policy for online purchases for the UK is also an important aspect of e-commerce. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) will check the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and nearly half will expect the seller to be responsible for the return and payment shipping.