Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The online retail market has grown continuously since its humble beginnings. This is especially evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.
Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% of them prefer to "buy online, pick 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
There's no doubt that sales on retail websites have increased substantially in the UK in recent years. According to data from 2023, the B2C e-commerce market is expected to reach nearly $120 billion by the end of next year. This growth is fueled by shifting consumer habits and Online Shopping figures uk the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result, bricks and mortar stores are seeing a decline in popularity as more consumers prefer online shopping figures uk - click this link here now - retailers to make their purchases.
With this in mind, it's important for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to know what motivates consumers to buy online. We've collected statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye-opening and revealing to help you.
Fashion is the most sought-after retail sector in the UK with 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the wide variety of items and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving your home. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of the sales on e-commerce. This is likely because of the constant need for new technology and the desire to stay current with the latest technology. Hobbies and leisure products are also popular items to purchase online, with 15% of all online sales.
When asked about the factors that drive shoppers to shop online, 57 percent of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison and 37% stated that they were seeking discounts or special 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 large product range.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Online shopping is becoming a part of the daily routine for many UK customers. Be it for groceries, electronics or even clothes - more than half of UK residents over the age of 65 have made a purchase online in the last year. Shoppers can select from a variety of payment options, and choose when and how they want their items delivered.
Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons why customers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers who shop online mention convenience as the primary reason for their shopping habits. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices as another advantage, while 37% cited an increased selection of choices as well.
The habits of online shopping among UK consumers are also becoming more eco-conscious. 79 percent of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They may take action if their orders are not packaged in an environmentally green manner.
Certain consumers wish to make their online shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact but also reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, 35 percent of UK customers have bought clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that has their size information saved. This lets them skip the return process, and to get what they want quicker.
It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more likely to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are used to the longer delivery times and have a better understanding 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 popular activity for many people. The most sought-after purchases are clothing and accessories, followed by groceries, and finally media such as music and movies. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. This is due to the fact that consumers find these events very convenient. It is also easy to compare prices and products online when making these types of purchases.
It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse. This is why it is crucial for e-commerce businesses to understand what their target market is seeking when it comes to purchasing products. In addition to this it is important to be aware of how much 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 has less time, and will use several devices to complete online tasks.
The older generations on the other hand tend to have more cautious buying habits and are less swayed by the online ads. They also prefer to go to shops in the high street to experience products before making a final decision. However, this doesn't mean that they will not buy online because the convenience and stress-free nature of online shopping remains very appealing to them.
Another interesting aspect to be considered when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to expect and expect free shipping on all of their purchases. Additionally they are more likely to abandon their carts when they believe that shipping costs are too high. Moreover 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart to get to 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. However, women are more likely to make big purchases, such as electrical appliances or furniture than men. Both groups are also more likely to purchase fashion as well as health and beauty, home and garden, and consumer electronics.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to studies 70% of shoppers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 crisis. 69% of consumers looked for brands that supported and were in close contact with their local community.
The most popular online shopping products in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact, a whopping 62 percent of female British online shopping sites top 7 shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. However the online sales don't just apply to the clothing sector and there are a myriad of other products available like kitchenware, jewellery and sports equipment.
This is why online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to get the best deals on these products. In fact, some analysts have predicted that online sales will make up nearly one-third of all retail sales by 2024.
Some retailers are struggling with the rising popularity of online shopping, whereas others are prospering. Online sales are booming in health and wellness, home and garden, and consumer electronics.
The trend for buying online for these items is expected to continue to expand in the coming years. As the number of internet users continues to grow, it is expected that online shopping will be more popular in the future. As online shopping is becoming more popular, retailers must ensure that their sites 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 a major European ecommerce market. When shopping online, the UK's consumers are mostly influenced by price, convenience and the variety of items. These factors make it a great opportunity for retailers to invest in their online presence and offer a seamless online shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales increased dramatically because consumers were looking for safe and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued post-pandemic as consumers continue to choose online shopping as an attractive alternative.
Online shopping is a major aspect of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it will make up a third of retail sales by 2024. This increase is the result of the growing acceptance of e-commerce by consumers as well as technological advances.
57% of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason they shop online. The 48 percent who claim it's easier to find deals and special offers and the 37% who claim there is a greater range of items available online are behind. In Europe the majority of shoppers mention lower prices as a major factor for their decision to purchase online.
Online shoppers are also eager to test new brands and products. Almost 25% of shoppers online have bought products they've never seen in a store previously, and a majority are eager to try new products when shopping on a marketplace like Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a popular choice for UK shoppers, with 29 percent of online shoppers choosing the buy now pay later option in the past year.
In addition to this, a robust online return policy is a crucial aspect of the ecommerce environment in the UK. A majority of online buyers (59 percent) check the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.