Online Shopping Figures For the UK

Since its infancy the market for online retail has grown steadily. This is especially evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.

Shopping online is a common method for consumers to look up brands and make purchases. 45% of consumers prefer to "buy online and pick up at the store". This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should take note of.

1. online shopping websites clothes retail sales in the UK

It's not a secret that online sales of merchandise have risen significantly in the UK in recent years. According to 2023's statistics the B2C e-commerce market is set to hit almost $120 billion by the end of next year. This growth is due to the changing habits of consumers and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as consumers increasingly prefer online retailers.

With this in mind, it's important for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to know what motivates shoppers to buy online. We've collected retail sales figures and stats that are both eye opening and informative to assist you.

Of all the retail sectors, fashion is the most sought-after with 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 ease of trying on clothes without leaving your home. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of e-commerce sales. This is due to the constant demand for new technology, as well as the desire to keep up with the latest technologies. Online sales of leisure and hobby products account for 15% of all online sales.

When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. This is followed by 48% who cited price comparison, and 37% who said they were looking for special discounts or 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 variety.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Shopping online is now a regular aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. About half of UK residents aged 65 or older have made a purchase online within the last year. Shoppers can choose from a variety of payment options and decide when and how their purchases delivered.

There are many motives for online shoppers to shop among them, the most popular include convenience, price, and availability. In fact 57% of shoppers who shop online say that convenience is the primary reason for their shopping habits. Another 48% cited lower prices and 37% said they have a wider selection of choices.

Online shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming more eco-conscious. 79% of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging material from their online purchases. They could take action if their orders are not packaged in a sustainable ecologically friendly way.

In addition to lessening their environmental impact, a few consumers are also trying to make their online shopping experiences more personal. For example 35% of UK customers have purchased clothing, footwear, and accessories from a retailer who stores their size information. This allows them to skip the return process and obtain what they want faster.

It is interesting to know that UK shoppers have been reported to be more eager than ever to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that British consumers 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 by age group

Shopping online in the UK which supermarket is cheapest For online shopping a very popular pastime for a large number of people. The most popular items to purchase are clothing 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 convenient for consumers. Comparisons of products and prices are also possible when purchasing these items.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse and this makes it crucial for ecommerce businesses to understand what their target market is seeking when it comes to purchasing products. Additionally, it is also important to know how much time each age group is spending shopping online. For instance, the younger generation is more likely to purchase on mobile devices than any other age group. This is because this age group is very time-poor and will use multiple devices to complete online tasks.

The older generation however tend to have more cautious purchasing habits and are less influenced by advertisements on the internet. They also tend to go to stores in the high street to look at and feel products before making an purchase. However, this doesn't mean they don't shop online, as the convenience and stress-free nature of online shopping remains very appealing to them.

Another important aspect to take into consideration when it is about online shopping is that the older generations are more likely to anticipate and demand free delivery on all their purchases. They are also more likely to abandon carts if shipping costs seem excessive. In addition, 61% of those over 55 say they'll add more items to their cart to reach the 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 buy clothing household 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. Studies have found that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way a retailer responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% of these looking for brands that support and are in close contact with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping products in the UK are footwear and clothing. In fact, 62 percent of British women who shop online will purchase these items by the year 2020. Online sales aren't restricted to clothing. Other items such as kitchenware, jewellery and sports items are also available.

Online shopping has become more popular for finding the most affordable deals. In fact, some experts predict that e-commerce sales will make up nearly one third of all retail sales in 2024.

While some retailers struggle to keep up with the growth in online shopping, other are flourishing. Particularly, online sales are booming for health, fashion and beauty, home and gardening as well as consumer electronics.

In the near future, online shopping for these products is expected to continue to grow. With the number of people who have access to the internet continuing to increase 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 is essential for retailers to make sure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK, by region

The UK is one of the leading European online marketplaces. Its consumers are influenced by convenience, price and a wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal location for retailers looking to improve their web presence and offer an easy shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, online sales grew significantly as people opted for secure and convenient alternatives to in-store purchases. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to choose online shopping as an attractive alternative.

Shopping online is a significant component of UK retail, and certain estimates suggest that it will account for a third of retail sales by 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and advances in technology.

In the UK 57% of shoppers who shop online mention convenience as the primary factor driving them to shop online. This is followed by 48% who state that it is easier to find deals and which supermarket is cheapest For online shopping special offers and 37% who say there's a wider selection of products available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers mention the lower cost as a primary factor for their decision to buy online shopping uk sites.

Consumers are also open to trying new brands and products when they shop online. About 25% of shoppers online have bought products they've never purchased on the high-street before, and half are eager to try new items when purchasing from a marketplace like Amazon. Pay-as-you-go checkouts are a popular choice for UK customers, with 29 percent of shoppers using the buy now pay later option in the past year.

Additionally an effective return policy is a vital aspect of the ecommerce environment in the UK. A majority of online buyers (59 percent) check the return policy of a retailer prior to buying, and more than half expect the retailer to arrange and pay for return shipping.