Online Shopping Figures For the UK
Since its infancy the market for online shopping has grown steadily. This is particularly evident in the UK where ecommerce is responsible for 20% of retail sales.
Shopping online is a common method for shoppers to explore brands and purchase. 45percent of customers prefer to "buy online and pick up in store". This is a change in the way people shop that brick-and-mortar shops should be aware of.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It's not difficult to see that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly over the past few years. According to data from 2023, the B2C online market is expected to grow to $120 billion by the end of the year. This increase is the result of shifting consumer habits and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. In the end, bricks and mortar stores are experiencing a decline in popularity as more customers are turning to online retailers to make their purchases.
With this in mind, it's crucial for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to know what motivates consumers to buy online. To help you understand this, we've compiled an assortment of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening and revealing.
Of all the retail sectors, 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 selection of products and the ease of trying on clothes without leaving the house. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is likely because of the constant need for new gadgets, as well as the desire to keep up with the latest technology. Leisure and hobbies are also a popular purchase online, accounting for 15% of all online sales.
When asked what factors drive customers to shop online 57 percent of UK consumers said convenience was the main reason. This is followed by 48% who mentioned price comparison and 37% indicated they were looking for special discounts or offers. These findings suggest that UK shoppers are less price-driven than their European counterparts, and are more focused upon convenience and a wide product variety.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Online shopping is now a regular aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. About half of UK people aged 65 and older have made a purchase on the internet in the last year. Shoppers can pick from a variety of payment options and also choose when and how their items delivered.
Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons why customers shop online uk women's fashion online. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as their primary reason to shop online. Additionally, 48% of them cited lower prices and 37% said they have a wider selection of choices.
The habits of online shopping among UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79% of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may take action if their orders are not packaged in an eco ecologically friendly way.
In addition to reducing their impact on the environment, some customers are also seeking to make their shopping experiences more personal. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, or accessories from a retailer that has their measurements on the file. This lets them bypass the return process and obtain 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 could be because UK shoppers are more accustomed to the slower delivery time and are aware of how long it takes to receive an item via the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to age group
Online shopping is very popular in the UK. The most popular purchases are clothes and accessories, followed by groceries, and finally media such as music and movies. Online shopping is also very 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. Comparisons of products and prices are also feasible when making these purchases.
It is important to note that online shoppers are diverse. This is why it is crucial for e-commerce businesses to understand the demographics their customers are seeking when they purchase products. It is also crucial to understand how much time each type of consumer spends online. The younger generation, for instance is more likely to use mobile devices to shop than other groups. This is due to the fact that this age group is time-poor and will use multiple devices to complete online tasks.
The older generations however tend to have more conservative purchasing habits and are less affected by the online ads. They also prefer to go to high-end stores to experience products before making a purchase. This doesn't mean that they won't shop online. The convenience and ease of online shopping are still very appealing.
Another important aspect to take into consideration when it concerns online shopping is that older generation is more likely to expect and demand free delivery on all of their purchases. Additionally they tend to drop their carts when they believe that shipping costs are too high. Additionally, 61% of those over 55 say they'll add additional items to their carts to meet the threshold of free delivery.
4. Online shopping in the UK by gender
In the UK both genders 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 buy fashion, home and garden products, consumer electronics, and products for beauty and health.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to studies 70% of consumers were influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 outbreak. 69% of these consumers searched for brands that were supportive and were in close contact with their local communities.
The most popular online shopping products in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact 62% of British women who shop online will purchase these items by 2020. Online sales aren't restricted to clothing. Other products such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.
Shopping online has become increasingly popular to find best bargains. Some analysts estimate that by 2024 online sales could make up almost one third of retail sales.
Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, Online Shopping Figures Uk while others are flourishing. In particular the rise of online sales for health, fashion, beauty, home and gardening as well as consumer electronics.
The trend for buying online for these items is likely to continue to expand in the years ahead. With the number of people who have access to the internet increasing It is expected that more customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is important for retailers to ensure their sites 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 marketplace. Its consumers are influenced by convenience, price and a variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it a great location for retailers looking to improve their online presence and provide an easy shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales increased dramatically as consumers chose safe and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued post-pandemic, as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as a viable alternative.
Online Shopping Figures Uk shopping is a major component of the UK retail market Some estimates suggest that it will account for three-quarters of all retail sales in 2024. This is because of the increasing adoption of e-commerce by consumers as well as technological advancements.
In the UK 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary reason for them to shop online. The 48 percent who say it's easier to find deals and special offers and the 37% who say that there's a greater selection of products online are closely behind. This is in contrast to Europe, where a greater proportion of shoppers cited lower prices as the key driver for their choice to shop 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 people are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a favorite option for UK customers with 29 percent of shoppers using the buy now pay later option in the last year.
A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also a crucial aspect of ecommerce. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) go through the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.