GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

UK Ecommerce Industry Statistics

The UK ecommerce industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with online retail sales projected to reach new heights driven by increased consumer preference for online shopping.

Highlights: Uk Ecommerce Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the UK's e-commerce revenue amounted to approximately 96.06 billion USD.
  • The ecommerce penetration rate in the UK was 82% in 2020.
  • The UK accounted for the third-highest share of global e-commerce sales in 2019, at 14.5%.
  • As of 2020, Amazon proved to be the most popular online shop in the UK, with 90% of respondents using it.
  • Fashion is the leading product category in UK e-commerce, accounting for 27% of total sales in 2019.
  • In 2020, 87% of UK households made online purchases within the past 12 months.
  • The average online spending per shopper in the UK was £2,102 in 2020.
  • In 2021, UK shoppers are predicted to have spent 141.33 billion pounds online.
  • 54% of UK adults did their shopping online in 2018.
  • By 2024, 27.9% of UK's total retail sales is forecasted to come from e-commerce.
  • By 2024, the number of digital buyers is expected to reach 51.7 million.
  • About 20% of UK ecommerce transactions take place after 6pm.
  • By 2023, it is expected that 93% of UK internet users will do online shopping, the highest rate in Europe.
  • The UK e-commerce industry is predicted to hit 319.8 billion USD by 2023.
  • The UK had more than 63 million digital buyers as of 2020.
  • In 2020, the average online transaction in the UK was £86.57.
  • 20% of UK ecommerce revenue in 2019 came from cross-border sales.
  • E-commerce B2C turnover in the UK is expected to reach £266.4bn in 2021.
  • Consumer electronics is the second largest sector in the UK’s online retail, with an estimated value of £12.3 billion.

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In this blog post, we will delve into the latest statistics and trends shaping the UK Ecommerce industry. From online sales figures to consumer behavior patterns, we will analyze key insights to provide a comprehensive overview of the thriving digital marketplace in the United Kingdom. Join us as we explore the data driving the growth and evolution of Ecommerce in the UK.

The Latest Uk Ecommerce Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the UK’s e-commerce revenue amounted to approximately 96.06 billion USD.

In 2020, the UK’s e-commerce revenue reached a significant milestone with approximately 96.06 billion USD in sales. This statistic highlights the robust growth and increasing importance of the e-commerce sector in the UK economy. The surge in online shopping activities can be attributed to various factors, including the shift towards digital transactions, changes in consumer behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and advances in technology that have made online shopping more convenient and accessible. The substantial e-commerce revenue figure underscores the significant role that online retail plays in driving economic activity and demonstrates the potential for further growth in the future.

The ecommerce penetration rate in the UK was 82% in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, 82% of the population in the UK engaged in ecommerce activities, such as purchasing goods or services online. This penetration rate reflects the widespread adoption and integration of ecommerce into daily life in the UK, showcasing a significant shift towards online shopping and digital transactions. The high percentage suggests that a large majority of the UK population is comfortable with and actively participates in online shopping, highlighting the importance of ecommerce platforms and digital technologies in the retail industry in the UK.

The UK accounted for the third-highest share of global e-commerce sales in 2019, at 14.5%.

The statistic ‘The UK accounted for the third-highest share of global e-commerce sales in 2019, at 14.5%’ indicates that the United Kingdom made up a significant portion of worldwide e-commerce transactions in 2019, trailing behind only two other countries in terms of market share. With a share of 14.5%, the UK’s e-commerce sector played a substantial role in the global digital marketplace, underscoring the country’s strong presence and consumer adoption of online shopping. This statistic highlights the UK’s importance as a key player in the rapidly growing e-commerce industry and reflects the country’s position as a major contributor to the digital economy on a global scale.

As of 2020, Amazon proved to be the most popular online shop in the UK, with 90% of respondents using it.

The statistic indicates that Amazon was the most widely used online shop in the UK as of 2020, with 90% of respondents reporting that they used the platform. This suggests that Amazon had a significant market share and dominance in the online retail industry in the UK during that time. The high percentage of respondents using Amazon may be attributed to factors such as its wide product selection, competitive prices, efficient delivery services, and strong brand reputation. The statistic reflects the widespread popularity and preference for Amazon among UK consumers, highlighting its position as a leading player in the e-commerce market in the UK in 2020.

Fashion is the leading product category in UK e-commerce, accounting for 27% of total sales in 2019.

The statistic indicates that fashion is the most popular product category in UK e-commerce, representing a significant portion of total sales at 27% in 2019. This suggests that consumers in the UK have a strong preference for purchasing clothing, accessories, and footwear online. The high percentage of sales attributed to fashion further highlights the industry’s importance and dominance within the e-commerce market. This information is valuable for retailers, marketers, and policymakers looking to understand consumer behavior and trends in the UK e-commerce landscape, and can be used to inform strategic decisions and planning within the fashion sector.

In 2020, 87% of UK households made online purchases within the past 12 months.

The statistic “In 2020, 87% of UK households made online purchases within the past 12 months” indicates that a significant majority of households in the United Kingdom engaged in online shopping activities during that year. This high percentage suggests a widespread adoption and acceptance of e-commerce within the UK population. The data highlights the shift towards online shopping as a common and convenient way for UK consumers to make purchases, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many individuals to turn to online platforms for their shopping needs. This statistic demonstrates the increasing digitalization of consumer behavior and the importance of e-commerce as a key component of the modern retail landscape in the UK.

The average online spending per shopper in the UK was £2,102 in 2020.

The statistic “The average online spending per shopper in the UK was £2,102 in 2020” indicates the mean amount of money spent by individual shoppers on online purchases in the UK for that year. This average spending per shopper serves as a key metric for understanding consumer behavior and economic trends. It provides valuable insights into the overall level of online shopping activity in the UK, reflecting both individual purchasing habits and broader market dynamics. Monitoring changes in this average spending figure over time can help businesses and policymakers gauge shifts in consumer preferences, economic conditions, and the digital retail landscape.

In 2021, UK shoppers are predicted to have spent 141.33 billion pounds online.

The statistic indicates that in 2021, UK shoppers were forecasted to spend a total of 141.33 billion pounds on online purchases. This figure reflects the increasing trend of consumers turning to online shopping for their retail needs, which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The substantial growth in e-commerce spending can be attributed to factors such as convenience, availability of a wide range of products, competitive pricing, and advancements in technology that have improved the online shopping experience. The statistic underscores the significance of online retail channels in the UK economy and highlights the evolving consumer behavior towards digital transactions.

54% of UK adults did their shopping online in 2018.

The statistic ‘54% of UK adults did their shopping online in 2018’ indicates that more than half of the adult population in the United Kingdom utilized online shopping as a means of making purchases during the year 2018. This statistic suggests a significant shift towards e-commerce in consumer behavior, signifying the growing reliance on digital platforms for shopping needs. The high percentage suggests that online shopping has become a mainstream activity among UK adults, highlighting the convenience, accessibility, and popularity of online retail channels in the modern era. Additionally, this statistic could have implications for traditional brick-and-mortar retail businesses as they may need to adapt their strategies to compete in an increasingly digital shopping landscape.

By 2024, 27.9% of UK’s total retail sales is forecasted to come from e-commerce.

The statistic means that in the year 2024, an estimated 27.9% of all retail sales in the UK will be generated through e-commerce platforms. This indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping, reflecting the growing trend of digital commerce. Factors such as convenience, wider product selection, and competitive pricing likely contribute to the increasing popularity of e-commerce in the UK. This forecast suggests that traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores will face continued pressure to adapt and enhance their online presence to remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape.

By 2024, the number of digital buyers is expected to reach 51.7 million.

The statistic indicates that the number of individuals making purchases online, referred to as digital buyers, is projected to grow to 51.7 million by the year 2024. This trend suggests a significant increase in the adoption and reliance on digital platforms for shopping. Factors driving this growth could include technological advancements, increased internet connectivity, and a shift in consumer preferences towards online shopping due to convenience and accessibility. This statistic serves as a valuable insight for businesses and marketers, highlighting the importance of optimizing online shopping experiences and targeting digital marketing strategies to reach and engage this expanding demographic of digital buyers.

About 20% of UK ecommerce transactions take place after 6pm.

The statistic ‘About 20% of UK ecommerce transactions take place after 6pm’ indicates that a significant portion of online shopping activity in the UK occurs during the evening hours. This trend suggests that a sizeable number of consumers prefer to shop online after regular working hours, possibly due to convenience or availability. It also implies that ecommerce retailers need to consider this peak time for sales and adjust their strategies accordingly, such as by optimizing website performance, offering promotions, or providing customer service support during these hours. Understanding these patterns can help businesses better cater to their customers’ preferences and enhance overall sales performance in the competitive ecommerce landscape.

By 2023, it is expected that 93% of UK internet users will do online shopping, the highest rate in Europe.

The statistic indicates that by 2023, it is projected that a substantial majority of internet users in the United Kingdom, approximately 93%, will engage in online shopping activities. This percentage signifies the highest rate of online shopping adoption among internet users in Europe. The data suggests a significant trend towards digital commerce in the UK, highlighting the growing preference for online shopping among consumers in the country. As technology continues to advance and e-commerce platforms become more accessible, convenient, and secure, an increasing number of UK consumers are expected to embrace online shopping as a preferred method of purchasing goods and services.

The UK e-commerce industry is predicted to hit 319.8 billion USD by 2023.

This statistic indicates that the electronic commerce (e-commerce) industry in the United Kingdom is forecasted to reach a total revenue of 319.8 billion USD by the year 2023. This prediction suggests substantial growth in the e-commerce sector within the UK, indicating a significant increase in online sales and transactions over the coming years. Factors contributing to this growth could include increasing internet penetration, changing consumer behaviors towards online shopping, advancements in technology, and a shift towards digital shopping platforms. This statistic serves as a key market indicator for stakeholders, businesses, and policymakers, highlighting the expanding opportunities and importance of e-commerce in the UK economy.

The UK had more than 63 million digital buyers as of 2020.

The statistic that the UK had more than 63 million digital buyers as of 2020 indicates the significant prevalence of e-commerce and online shopping in the country. This figure represents the number of individuals who have made purchases online, encompassing a wide range of goods and services. The high number of digital buyers highlights the shift towards a more digital economy and consumer behavior, with more people opting for the convenience and accessibility offered by online shopping platforms. This trend underscores the importance for businesses to have a strong online presence and engage in e-commerce strategies to reach and cater to a large audience of digital buyers in the UK.

In 2020, the average online transaction in the UK was £86.57.

The statistic ‘In 2020, the average online transaction in the UK was £86.57’ represents the mean value of all online purchases made in the UK during the year. This figure indicates that, on average, consumers in the UK spent £86.57 per transaction when making purchases through online channels. This statistic provides insight into the typical spending behavior of individuals in the UK and can be used by businesses and policymakers to understand consumer preferences, market trends, and the overall economic activity in the online retail sector. It also serves as a benchmark for comparing transaction values across different time periods or regions to assess changes in online shopping habits and purchasing power.

20% of UK ecommerce revenue in 2019 came from cross-border sales.

The statistic ‘20% of UK ecommerce revenue in 2019 came from cross-border sales’ indicates that a significant portion of the total revenue generated through online sales in the UK in that year was attributed to transactions made with customers located in other countries. This suggests that UK-based ecommerce businesses successfully engaged in international trade and captured a sizeable market share beyond their domestic borders. The statistic highlights the growing trend and importance of cross-border ecommerce activities for the UK market, underlining the opportunities and challenges presented by global online sales for businesses operating in the digital marketplace.

E-commerce B2C turnover in the UK is expected to reach £266.4bn in 2021.

The statistic ‘E-commerce B2C turnover in the UK is expected to reach £266.4bn in 2021’ refers to the projected total sales revenue generated from online business-to-consumer transactions in the United Kingdom for the year 2021. This figure represents the estimated total value of goods and services sold by UK businesses to individual consumers through e-commerce platforms. The significant growth in e-commerce turnover indicates a shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping, which has been accelerated by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and shifts in consumer preferences. This statistic highlights the growing importance of digital commerce in the UK economy and the potential opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the expanding e-commerce market.

Consumer electronics is the second largest sector in the UK’s online retail, with an estimated value of £12.3 billion.

The statistic indicates that consumer electronics is the second most significant sector in the UK’s online retail market, following closely behind the largest sector. The estimated value of £12.3 billion signifies the substantial economic impact and consumer demand for consumer electronics products purchased through online channels in the UK. This statistic suggests that consumer electronics are a popular and lucrative category within the online retail industry, contributing significantly to the overall revenue generated by online sales in the UK. It also underscores the importance for retailers and manufacturers to continue meeting the consumer needs and preferences within the consumer electronics sector to capitalize on this market opportunity further.

References

0. – https://www.www.ons.gov.uk

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.export.gov

3. – https://www.www.salecycle.com

4. – https://www.business.linkedin.com

5. – https://www.www.ecommercewiki.org

6. – https://www.www.retailresearch.org

7. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

8. – https://www.www.bigcommerce.co.uk

9. – https://www.www.businessleader.co.uk

10. – https://www.www.thedrum.com

11. – https://www.ecommercenews.eu

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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