online shopping Figures Uk Shopping Figures For the UK
The market for online retailers has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. This is especially evident in the UK where ecommerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.
Online shopping is a popular way for consumers to research brands and make purchases. 45% of consumers 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 a secret that retail sales online have grown dramatically in the UK in recent years. According to 2023's statistics the B2C e-commerce market is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by the end of next year. This growth is fueled by shifting consumer habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. In the end bricks and mortar shops are experiencing a decline in popularity as more customers are turning to online retailers for their purchases.
To do this, it's crucial that both omni-channel and pureplay retailers understand what draws customers to buy online. To help you do this, we've put together an assortment of retail sales figures and other statistics that are both eye-opening as well as informative.
Fashion is the most popular retail industry in the UK accounting for 28 percent of all online sales. This is likely due to a greater variety of products accessible and the convenience of being in a position to try on clothes without having to leave home. Electronics comes in second place with 16% of sales made through e-commerce. This is probably due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the desire to stay current with the most recent technology. Hobbies and leisure items are also popular items to purchase on the internet, accounting for 15% of all e-commerce sales.
When asked what factors drive shoppers to shop online, 57% of UK consumers cited convenience as the primary driver. Then, 48% mentioned 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 broad variety of products.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Shopping online shopping figures uk is a common part of life for many UK residents. Be it for electronic gadgets, groceries, or fashion - almost half of UK residents over 65 have made a purchase on the internet in the past year alone. Shoppers can choose from a variety of payment options and choose when and how they want their items delivered.
Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main motive behind their shopping. Then, another 48% of them cited lower prices, while 37% mentioned a greater variety of options.
UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious in their shopping online. 79 percent of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may even take action if believe that their packages are not coming in environmentally friendly packaging.
Some consumers are looking to make their shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance 35 percent of UK consumers have purchased clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer that stores their size information. This lets them avoid the return process and 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 could be due to the fact that they are more accustomed to the slow delivery times and are more aware of how long it takes for an item to arrive in the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group
Online shopping in the UK is a popular activity for a large number of people. The most popular purchases are clothes and accessories followed by groceries and then media like movies and music. Online shopping is also very popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very practical for shoppers. Comparisons of prices and products are also possible when purchasing these items.
It is important to note that online shoppers are very diverse. This makes it essential for ecommerce companies to know what their target market is seeking when it comes to purchasing products. In addition, it is also important to know how much time each age group spends shopping online. For instance the younger generation is more likely to shop on mobile devices 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.
Older generations tend to be more sceptical about their buying habits and less influenced by online advertisements. They also prefer to visit shops in the high street to touch and feel products before making a purchase. This does not mean they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online are still very appealing.
Another interesting factor to consider when it comes to online shopping is that older generations are more likely to demand and expect free delivery on all their purchases. Additionally they tend to drop their carts when they believe that shipping costs are too high. In addition, 61% of those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart in order to reach a free delivery threshold.
4. Online shopping in the UK according to gender
Men and women in the UK are equally likely to shop for goods online. However women are more likely to make big purchases, like furniture or electrical appliances, than men. Both groups are more likely to shop for fashion cosmetics, health and beauty products as well as home and garden and consumer electronics products.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to studies 70% of shoppers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 crisis. 69% of these consumers looked for brands that supported and were in close contact with their local community.
Shoes and clothing are the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers bought these items in the year 2020. Online sales aren't restricted to clothing. Other items like jewellery, kitchenware and sports equipment are also available.
As a result, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular as a method to find the best prices on these products. Some analysts predict that by 2024, ecommerce sales could account for almost one third of retail sales.
While some retailers struggle to cope with the increase in online shopping, others are thriving. Particularly the online market is booming for fashion, health and beauty as well as gardening and home, and consumer electronic.
In the near future the online shopping market for these products is expected to increase. With the number of people who have access to the internet increasing, it is anticipated that increasing numbers of people will be turning to online shopping in the future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it's important for retailers to ensure 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 one of the most important European ecommerce markets. When it comes to online shopping the customers of the UK are mostly influenced by convenience, price, and the variety of items. These factors make it a great spot for retailers who wish to improve their online presence and provide a seamless shopping experience.
In the COVID-19 pandemic online sales increased dramatically because consumers were looking for secure and convenient alternatives to store purchases. This trend has continued even after the outbreak as consumers continue to shop online as an alternative.
Shopping online is a significant aspect of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it could account for one-third of sales by 2024. This growth is driven by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and technological advancements.
57% of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the main reason they shop online. This is followed by 48% who say that it is easier to discover special deals and offers as well as 37% who claim that there's a wider selection of products available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers cite the lower cost as a primary factor in their decision to purchase online.
Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. Online customers are willing to try new brands and online shopping Figures Uk products. Half of them are willing to try them when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a favorite option for UK shoppers, with 29 percent of shoppers using a buy now, pay later option in the past year.
In addition to this, a strong online return policy is an essential aspect of the ecommerce landscape for the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59 percent) will research the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and more than half will expect the seller to be responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping.