Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The online retail market has been growing continuously since its inception. This is particularly evident in the UK where e-commerce is responsible for 20% of all retail sales.

Shopping online is a common method for shoppers to research brands and make purchases. 45% of consumers prefer to "buy online and pick up in-store". This is an interesting change in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should be aware of.

1. Online sales of retail in the UK

It's not difficult to see that online retail sales in the UK have risen significantly in the last few years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C online market is predicted to grow to $120 billion next year. This growth is driven by shifting consumer habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result bricks and mortar shops are losing popularity as more consumers turn to online stores for their purchases.

To achieve this, it is important that both omni-channel and pureplay retailers understand what motivates shoppers to purchase online. To help you do this, we've compiled an assortment of retail sales figures and statistics that are both eye-opening as well as informative.

Fashion is the most favored retail sector in the UK, accounting for 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is likely due to a greater variety of items that are available and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without having to leave your home. Electronics is second with 16% of all online sales. This is due to the constant demand for new technology and the desire to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products represent 15% of all online sales.

When asked why they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison, and 37% who stated they were seeking special offers or discounts. These findings indicate that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused upon convenience and a wide selection.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is a common part of the lives of many UK residents. More than half of UK people aged 65 and older have made an online purchase in the past year. With a variety of payment options available, shoppers can also choose the best time and method for their goods to be delivered.

There are many reasons to shop online among them, the most common include convenience price, availability, and price. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as their primary reason for purchasing online. Additionally, 48% pointed to lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider variety of options.

UK consumers are also becoming more eco conscious when it comes to their shopping online. 79 percent of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They may even take action if think their purchases aren't being packaged in environmentally friendly ways.

In addition to decreasing their environmental impact, a few customers are also seeking to make their shopping experience more personal. For example 35 percent of UK shoppers have bought clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer that has their size information on the file. This lets them bypass the return process and get what they want quicker.

Interestingly, UK consumers are reported to be more willing to wait for online orders than they were during the pandemic. This may be because they are more used to the slower delivery times and are more aware of how long it takes for the item to be delivered via the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK by age group

Online shopping is very popular in the UK. Clothes and accessories are the most sought-after purchases followed by groceries and media such as movies and music. Online shopping is also popular in the UK during the annual Black On White Tape Friday and Christmas sales. This is because 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 and this makes it crucial for ecommerce businesses to understand the demographics their customers are looking for when purchasing products. In addition it is important to be aware of how much time each age group is spending shopping online. For example, the younger generation is far more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.

Older generations tend to be more conservative in their purchasing habits and less influenced by advertising on the internet. They also prefer visiting shops in the high street to touch and feel products before making a final decision. This doesn't mean that they will not buy online. The convenience and ease of online shopping are still appealing.

A second interesting factor to consider when shopping online is that older people are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and expect free shipping on all their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts if shipping costs seem excessive. Furthermore 61% of people over 55 say they'll add more items to their shopping carts in order 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 tend to spend more on fashion household and garden products as well as consumer electronics and health and beauty products.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for Vimeo 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 those shoppers searched for brands that were supportive and were in close contact with their local communities.

The most sought-after online purchasing items in the UK are clothing and shoes. In fact 62 percent of British women who shop online purchased these items by 2020. Online sales aren't only limited to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports goods are also available.

Shopping online has become more popular for finding the best deals. Some experts estimate that by 2024 the sales from e-commerce could be more than a third of all retail sales.

Some retailers are struggling with the growth of online shopping while others are prospering. In particular the online market is booming for health, fashion, beauty as well as gardening and home, and consumer electronics.

In the near future the online shopping market for these products is expected to continue to grow. With the number of people with access to the internet increasing, it is anticipated that customers will opt for online shopping in the coming years. With the growing popularity of this method of shopping, it's essential for retailers to make sure 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 one of the most important European ecommerce markets. Its consumers are influenced by the convenience, affordability and variety of goods when they shop online. These factors make it a great place for retailers to improve their online presence and provide an easy online shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales increased significantly because consumers were looking for secure and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as a viable alternative.

Shopping online is a large part of the UK retail market, with some estimates suggesting that it could account for one-third of all retail sales by 2024. This growth is fueled by increasing consumer adoption of ecommerce and advancements in technology.

57% of UK online shoppers believe that convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. The 48 percent who say it's easier to find deals and special offers, and vimeo the 37% who say there's a wider selection of products online are closely behind. This is in contrast to Europe where a larger percentage of consumers said that lower prices were the primary reason for their purchase online.

Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. Online shoppers are open to trying new products and brands. Half of people are willing to do so when they shop on marketplaces like Amazon. UK customers are awed by the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29% of online buyers have made use of this option in the last year.

Additionally, a robust online return policy is a crucial aspect of the online shopping landscape in the UK. The majority of shoppers (59 percent) will check the return policy of a retailer prior to purchasing, and a majority will expect the seller to be responsible for the return and payment shipping.