Blogs
on June 19, 2024
Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The market for online retail has grown continuously since its humble beginnings. This is evident especially in the UK, where ecommerce represents 20% of all retail sales.
Many shoppers use online shopping to research brands before making a purchase, and 45% like to "buy online, 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 no secret that online retail sales in the UK have grown significantly in the last few years. In fact, according to data from 2023 the B2C market for e-commerce is expected to reach nearly $120 billion by the end of next year. This growth is fueled by the changing habits of consumers and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. Bricks and mortar shops are losing popularity as customers increasingly shop online.
To achieve this, it's crucial that both pureplay and omni-channel retailers understand what draws consumers to shop online. To help you understand this, we've put together a collection of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.
Of all the retail industries that are available, fashion is the most sought-after, accounting for 28% of all e-commerce sales in the UK. This is likely due to the wide selection of products and the convenience of trying on clothes without leaving home. Electronics is the second most popular item, accounting for 16% of e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and a desire to keep up with latest technology. Leisure and hobbies are also a favorite purchase online, accounting for 15% of all online sales.
When asked why they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. In addition, 48% of them cited price comparison while 37% stated that they were looking for discounts or special offers. These results indicate that UK shoppers are less driven by price than their European counterparts, and are more focused on convenience and a wide variety.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Online shopping has become a daily part of the lives of many UK residents. About half of UK residents aged 65 and older have made a purchase online within the last year. With a variety of payment options customers can also decide how and when they want their goods to be delivered.
Price, convenience and accessibility are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact, 57% cite convenience as their primary reason to shop online. Then, another 48% pointed to lower prices, while 37% said they have a wider variety of options.
UK consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious with regards to their online shopping habits. 79% of UK shoppers recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their online purchases. They could decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an eco ecologically friendly way.
In addition to decreasing their impact on the environment, some consumers are also trying to make their shopping experience more personal. For example, 35% of UK consumers have purchased clothing, footwear, or accessories from a retailer who stores their size information. This allows them to skip the return process, and get what they need faster.
It is interesting to know that UK customers are reported to be more eager than ever to wait for online orders. This could be due to the fact that UK shoppers are more accustomed to the slower delivery time and understand the length of time it takes to receive an item through the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age range
Shopping online is a huge hit in the UK. Clothing and accessories are among the most popular items, followed by groceries, and entertainment such as movies and music. Online shopping is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. These events are very convenient for shoppers. It is also simple to compare prices and products online when making these kinds of purchases.
It is important to know that online shoppers come from a variety of backgrounds. This is why it is crucial for ecommerce companies to understand what their target audience is searching for when buying products. In addition to this, it is also 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 other groups. This is due to the fact that this age group is constrained in time and will utilize multiple devices to complete online tasks.
The older generation on the other hand tend to have more cautious buying habits and are less swayed by online advertising. They also tend to visit high street stores to see and touch items before making a purchase. This does not mean they won't buy online. The convenience and ease of shopping online remain very appealing.
A second interesting factor to be considered 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 those over 55 say that they will add more items to their cart in order 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. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases, such as electrical and furniture. Both groups are also more likely to shop for fashion cosmetics, health and beauty products as well as home and garden and consumer electronics.
In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. According to research 70% of shoppers were affected by the response of retailers to the COVID-19 crisis. 69% of those customers searched for brands that were supportive and collaborated with their local community.
Shoes and clothing are the most popular products to buy online in the UK. In fact, 62% of female British online shoppers bought these items in the year 2020. Online sales are not limited to clothing. Other products such as kitchenware, jewelry, and sports equipment are also available.
As a result, online shopping is becoming more popular as a method to find the most affordable prices on these products. In fact, some analysts have predicted that online sales will account for almost 1/3 of all retail sales in 2024.
Some retailers are struggling with the rise of online shopping, while others are thriving. Online sales are increasing in health and wellness, home and garden, and consumer electronic.
The trend of purchasing online for these items is expected to continue increase in the coming years. With the number of people having access to the internet continuing to increase, it is expected that more and customers will opt for online shopping in the near future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is important for retailers to ensure their sites are optimized for mobile devices and that they offer an easy and secure checkout process.
5. Online shopping online sites in the UK, by region
The UK is among the leading European ecommerce markets. The customers are influenced by the convenience, affordability and vast selection of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal spot for retailers who wish to improve their online presence and offer a seamless shopping experience.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales increased dramatically as consumers chose safe and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has remained in place post-pandemic as consumers continue to embrace online shopping as an attractive alternative.
Online shopping is a major portion of the UK retail market Some estimates suggest that it will account for one-third of all retail sales by 2024. This growth is driven by the growing popularity of e-commerce among consumers and advancements in technology.
57 percent of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the primary reason for them to shop online. This is closely followed by 48% who state that it is easier to discover special deals and offers and 37% who say there's a greater variety of products that are available online shopping figures Uk. In Europe the majority of shoppers mention lower prices as a key factor in their decision to purchase online.
Online shoppers are also willing to test new products and brands. Online customers are willing to try new products and brands. Half of them are willing to do so when they shop on marketplaces such as Amazon. Buy now pay later checkouts are a common choice for UK customers, with 29% of online shoppers using a buy now, pay later option in the last year.
A robust return policy on the internet for the UK is also a key aspect of e-commerce. The majority of shoppers (59 percent) will check the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and more than half will expect the retailer to be responsible for both the return and payment shipping.