Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The online retail market has been growing continuously since its inception. This is especially evident in the UK, where ecommerce represents 20% of retail sales.
Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands before making a purchase and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick it up in store". This is an interesting shift in the way people shop that bricks-and-mortar stores should take note of.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It's hard to deny that sales of online retail in the UK have risen significantly over the past few years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C e-commerce market is expected to reach nearly $120 billion by the end of next year. This growth is fueled by changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar shops are gaining popularity as shoppers increasingly shop online.
To do this, it is important that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers understand what draws customers to buy online. To help you do this, we've created a collection of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.
Fashion is the most sought-after retail sector in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all online sales. This is probably due to the wider range of merchandise accessible and the convenience of being capable of trying on clothes without having to leave your home. Electronics is second with 16% of e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the desire to keep up with latest technology. Hobbies and leisure items are also a popular purchase on the internet, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.
When asked about the factors that drive customers to shop online 57% of UK consumers said convenience was the primary reason. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison and 37% said they were looking for special discounts or offers. These results suggest that shoppers in the UK are less driven by price 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 regular part of the lives of many UK consumers. Whether it's to buy groceries, electronics or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over 65 have made a purchase on the internet within the last year. With a wide variety of payment options, shoppers can also choose the best time and method for their items to be delivered.
There are many motives for shoppers to shop online among them, the most common include convenience prices, availability, and price. In fact 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary motive behind their shopping. Another 48% cited lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider selection of choices.
Online shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. 79% of UK shoppers recycle boxes and Youth 2Mm Spring Wetsuit other packaging materials from their online purchases. They might even take action if think their purchases aren't coming in environmentally friendly packaging.
Some consumers are looking to make their online shopping experience more personal. They are not just trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, 35% of UK customers have purchased clothing or footwear from a store that has their measurements on the file. This lets them skip the return process and get what they want faster.
Interestingly, UK customers are reported to be more likely to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be due to the fact that UK shoppers are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and know how long it takes to receive an item via the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age range
Online shopping is very popular in the UK. The most popular items to purchase are clothes and accessories, followed by food items, and finally media like movies and music. Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK, especially during the annual Black Friday sales and Christmas sales. These events are extremely convenient for consumers. Comparisons of products and prices are also feasible when making these purchases.
It is important to know that online shoppers are a diverse group. This makes it essential for ecommerce companies to understand the type of customer they are looking for when purchasing products. In addition to this it is important 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 any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very busy and uses multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.
The older generation tends to be more conservative in their purchasing 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 an purchase. However, this doesn't mean that they don't shop online, as the convenience and ease of online shopping is extremely appealing to them.
Another important aspect to take into consideration when it is about online shopping is that older generations are more likely to anticipate and demand free delivery on all their purchases. Additionally they tend to drop their shopping carts if they think that shipping costs are too high. Furthermore, as many as 61% of over 55s say they'll add additional items to their carts to get the threshold of free delivery.
4. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with gender
Both genders in the UK are equally likely to shop for products online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases like furniture and electrical appliances. Both groups are 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 shown that 70% of consumers are influenced by the way a company responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 69% looking for brands that support and work closely with their local communities.
Clothing and shoes are the most requested items for online shopping in the UK. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. Online sales aren't just limited to clothing. Other items such as jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.
In the process, online shopping is becoming more popular as a way to get the best deals on these items. Some analysts believe that by 2024, ecommerce sales could account for almost one third of retail sales.
Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, whereas others are thriving. In particular the rise of online sales for fashion, health and beauty as well as gardening and home, and consumer electronics.
The trend of buying these products online is expected to continue grow in the coming years. With the number of people having access to the internet increasing It is anticipated that increasing numbers of people will be turning to online shopping in the near future. As online shopping is becoming more popular, retailers should ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices. They should also offer an easy and secure checkout process.
5. Online shopping in the UK by region
The UK is one of the top European ecommerce markets. When it comes to online shopping the British consumers are influenced primarily by convenience, price, and the variety of items. These factors make it an ideal place for retailers who want to improve their online presence and offer an easy shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales increased significantly because consumers were looking for secure and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has continued following the pandemic, motorized Smart lever lock as consumers continue to buy online as an alternative.
Online shopping is an important part of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it will account for three-quarters of retail sales by 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and technological advancements.
57% of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the primary reason they shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who state that it is easier to find deals and special offers as well as 37% who say there's a wider selection of products available online. In Europe the majority of consumers cite lower prices as a major reason for them to buy online.
Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Online shoppers are open to trying new brands and products. Half of people are willing to try new brands when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a popular choice for UK customers, with 29% of online shoppers using a buy now, pay later option over the last year.
In addition to this, a strong online return policy is a crucial aspect of the e-commerce landscape for the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) check the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and nearly half expect retailers to arrange and pay for return shipping.