Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The market for online retail has been growing continuously since its inception. This is evident especially in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of all retail sales.
Many people shop online to research brands before making a purchase, and 45% like to "buy online, then pick it up in stores". This is an interesting shift in consumer behavior that bricks and mortar stores should pay attention to.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It's not difficult to see that sales of online retail in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. In fact, according to 2023 statistics, the B2C e-commerce market is expected to reach nearly $120 billion by the end of next year. This increase is the result of changing consumer shopping patterns and the widespread adoption by retailers of digital transformation technologies. Bricks and mortar shops are gaining popularity as shoppers increasingly shop online.
With this in mind, it's important for both omni channel and pureplay retailers to know what motivates customers to purchase online. We've collected statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye opening and revealing to help you.
Of all the retail sectors, fashion is the most sought-after, accounting for 28 percent of all sales made through e-commerce in the UK. This is likely due to the availability of a larger selection of products and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics comes in second with 16% of all online sales. This is probably due to the constant demand for Vimeo new gadgets and the desire to stay current with the most recent technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products account for 15% of all e-commerce sales.
When asked what factors drive customers to shop online 57 percent of UK consumers said convenience was the main reason. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison while 37% of them said they were looking for discounts or special offers. These findings indicate that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused upon convenience and a wide product range.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Shopping online has become a daily aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. More than half of UK people aged 65 and older have made a purchase on the internet in the last year. With a variety of payment methods available buyers can also pick the best time and method for their purchases to be delivered.
Convenience, price and availability are among the top reasons why shoppers shop online. In fact, 57% of shoppers who shop online say that convenience is the primary driver behind their shopping habits. Additionally, 48% cited lower prices while 37% said they have a wider variety of options.
The habits of online shopping among UK consumers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. For example 79 percent of UK online shoppers report recycling boxes and other packaging materials they have purchased from their purchases. They might even take action if think their purchases aren't being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.
In addition to lessening their environmental impact, a few customers are also seeking to make their online shopping experience more personal. For example 35% of UK consumers have purchased clothes, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who has their size information saved. This allows them to avoid the return process and obtain what they want faster.
Incredibly, UK shoppers are reported to be more likely to wait for their online orders than they were during the pandemic. This could be because UK consumers are more accustomed to the longer delivery time and understand the length of time it takes to receive an item in the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK in accordance with the age group
Shopping online in the UK is a favorite pastime for a large number of people. The most popular items to purchase are clothes and accessories followed by groceries and then 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 people find these sales convenient. It is also simple to compare prices and items online when making these kinds of purchases.
It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are diverse. This is why it is crucial for ecommerce companies to understand what their target audience is searching for when buying products. It is also crucial to know how much time each type of consumer spends online. For example the younger generation is more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is busy and uses multiple devices to complete online tasks.
The older generation tends to be more conservative in their purchasing habits and less influenced by online advertising. They also prefer to go to shops in the high street to touch and feel products before making a final decision. This doesn't mean that they won't shop online. The convenience and ease of shopping online are still very appealing.
Another important aspect to consider when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and request free shipping on all their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts if shipping costs seem excessive. Furthermore, as many as 61% of over 55s claim that they will add additional items to their carts to reach a free delivery threshold.
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 purchase fashion, health and beauty, 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 influenced by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 outbreak. 69% of these shoppers looked for brands that supported and collaborated with their local community.
Shoes and clothing are the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact, 62 percent of female British online shoppers bought these items in the year 2020. However the online sales don't just apply to clothing with a wide range of other products available including jewellery, kitchenware, and sports items.
Online shopping has become increasingly popular to find the best bargains. In fact, some analysts have predicted that ecommerce sales will account for nearly one third of all retail sales by 2024.
While some retailers are struggling to keep up with the growth in online shopping, others are flourishing. Online sales are booming in fashion, health and wellness gardening, double canoe rack stand home and garden and consumer electronic.
The trend of purchasing these products online is expected to continue to grow in the years ahead. As the number of people who use the internet is growing it is anticipated that online shopping will become more popular in the near future. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it is crucial for retailers to ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices and that they provide a secure and easy checkout process.
5. Online shopping in the UK by region
The UK is among the top European ecommerce markets. The customers are influenced by convenience, price and a vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it a great place for retailers to invest in their online presence and offer an easy online shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic online sales grew significantly as consumers chose safe and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued following the outbreak as consumers continue to buy online as an alternative.
Online shopping is an important part of UK retail, vimeo and some estimates suggest that it will comprise three-quarters of retail sales by 2024. This is due to increasing consumer adoption of ecommerce and advances in technology.
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 claim that there's a greater selection of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor vimeo in their decision to buy online.
Online shoppers are also eager to test new brands and products. Nearly a quarter of online shoppers have bought items they've never seen on the high street before, and half are willing to try new products when shopping on a marketplace like Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of buyers who shop online have made use of this method in the last year.
In addition to this, a strong online return policy is a vital aspect of the ecommerce landscape in the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59%) go through a retailer's return policy before buying, and more than half of them expect the seller to arrange and pay for return shipping.