See What Online Shopping Figures Uk Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Online Shopping Figures For the UK
The market for online retailers has been growing continuously since its inception. This is especially evident in the UK where ecommerce accounts for 20% of retail sales.
Many people shop online to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% prefer to «buy online, then pick up in store». This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.
1. Online retail sales in the UK
It’s not difficult to see that online retail sales in the UK have seen a significant increase in the last few years. According to 2023 statistics the B2C online market is predicted to reach almost $120 billion by the end of the year. This growth is driven by changing consumer shopping habits and the use of digital transformation technologies by retailers. In the end bricks and mortar shops are seeing a decline in popularity as more consumers are turning to online retailers to make their purchases.
With this in mind, it’s crucial for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to understand what drives consumers to buy online. To help you understand this, we’ve put together an assortment of retail sales figures and stats that are both eye-opening as well as shocking.
Fashion is the most popular retail sector in the UK accounting for 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is probably due to a wider selection of merchandise available and the convenience of being capable of trying on clothes without having to leave home. Electronics is the second most popular, with 16% of all e-commerce sales. This is likely due to the constant demand for new gadgets and the need to stay up-to-date with latest technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products represent 15% of all e-commerce sales.
When asked about the factors that drive customers to shop online 57% of UK customers cited convenience as the primary driver. This is followed by 48% who pointed to price comparison, and 37% who stated they were looking for special deals or discounts. These results indicate that UK consumers are less influenced by price than their European counterparts and are more focused upon convenience and a broad product range.
2. Online shopping in the UK
Shopping online has become a daily aspect of life for a lot of UK residents. About half of UK residents aged 65 or older have made a purchase on the internet in the past year. Shoppers can pick from a variety of payment options and also decide the time and method they’d like their purchases delivered.
Accessibility, convenience, and price are among the top reasons customers shop online. In fact 57% of online shoppers mention convenience as the primary driver behind their shopping habits. Another 48% pointed to lower prices, while 37% cited a wider variety of options.
Online shopping habits of UK customers are also becoming increasingly eco-conscious. For example, 79 percent of UK online shoppers report that they recycle boxes and other packaging materials from their purchases. They can decide to take action if their purchases are not packaged in an eco green manner.
In addition to decreasing their impact on the environment, some consumers are also trying to make their shopping experiences more personal. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothes, footwear, or accessories from a store that has their measurements on the file. This lets them avoid the return process and obtain what they want faster.
It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more willing than ever to wait for online orders. This may be because they are more used to the slower delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.
3. Online shopping in the UK according to the age group
Shopping online is extremely popular in the UK. The most popular purchases are clothing 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 customers find these sales to be extremely convenient. Online comparisons of prices and products are also feasible when making these purchases.
It is important to note that online shoppers are very diverse. This is why it is crucial for e-commerce companies to know the demographics their customers are seeking when purchasing products. It is also crucial to know how long each segment of customers spends online. For example the younger generation is far more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that this age group is very time-poor and will use multiple devices to accomplish online tasks.
The older generations however tend to have more cautious purchasing habits and are less affected by advertisements on the internet. They also prefer to visit high-street stores to experience products before making a final decision. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t shop online. The convenience and ease of shopping online remain very appealing.
Another interesting factor to consider when it comes to online shopping is that older generations are more likely to anticipate and demand free delivery on all their purchases. They are also more likely to leave carts when shipping costs appear excessive. Moreover, 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 according to gender
Men and women in the UK are equally likely to shop for online Shopping figures Uk products online. Women are more likely than men to make large purchases, such as electrical appliances and furniture. Both groups are more likely to shop for 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. Studies have found that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way a retailer responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% of them looking for brands that support and work closely with their local communities.
Shoes and clothing are among the most requested items to buy online in the UK. In fact, 62% of British women who shop online will purchase these items by 2020. Online sales aren’t just limited to clothing. Other items like kitchenware, jewelry, and sports items are also available.
Shopping online is becoming more popular for finding the most affordable deals. In fact, some analysts predict that e-commerce sales will make up nearly 1/3 of all retail sales in 2024.
While some retailers are struggling to deal with the rise in online shopping, others are thriving. Online sales are growing in fashion, health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronic.
The trend for buying these products online is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. As the number of people who use the internet is growing it is anticipated that online shopping will be more popular in the 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 provide a simple and secure checkout process.
5. Online shopping in the UK by region
The UK is a top European ecommerce market. The majority of its customers are influenced convenience, price and a wide range of products when they shop online. These factors make it an ideal place for retailers who want to invest in their web presence and provide seamless shopping.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online Shopping figures uk sales grew significantly because consumers were looking for secure and convenient alternatives to shopping. This trend has continued following the pandemic as consumers continue to embrace shopping online as an alternative.
Shopping online is a significant component of UK retail, and some estimates suggest that it could make up three-quarters list of online shopping sites in uk retail sales by 2024. This is due to the increasing popularity of ecommerce among consumers and advances in technology.
57 percent of UK online shoppers claim that convenience is the main reason why they shop online. This is followed by 48% who say that it is easier to discover special deals and offers and 37% of shoppers say there’s a wider selection of products available online. In Europe more than half of shoppers mention lower prices as a key factor in their decision to buy online.
Consumers are also willing to try new brands and products when they shop online. About a quarter of online shoppers have bought products they have never bought on the high street previously, and a majority are eager to try new products when they shop on an online marketplace like 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 past year.
A solid return policy for online purchases for the UK is also a key aspect of ecommerce. The majority of online buyers (59%) will look up the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and a majority will expect the seller to be responsible for organizing and paying for return shipping.