Online Shopping in the UK - Essay Example

Starting 20 years ago, online shopping has vigorously picked up in the UK with the latest research by UK retailer Shop Direct revealing that one in every four people in the UK prefers online shopping as opposed to making physical store visits. The research further revealed that 95% of British people now buy goods through internet retailers. So what are the reasons for this shift in 20 years on? According to Wallop (2013), the following comes out as reasons why most Brits prefer online shopping:

They have the ability to search and locate the specific good or service they want- From the comfort of their living rooms, buyers can get the specifics of what they want without having to walk into multiple stores. This makes it easier to make a decision and compare among the many available options which good or service suits a consumer.

Online shopping is extremely convenient: With retailer websites available all day and night and efficient delivery systems within the UK, customers enjoy the convenience of being able to shop from any location and at any time of the day or night. This flexibility has significantly contributed to the growth of this mode of buying goods and services.

The elimination of crowds and queues: Online shoppers forego the trouble of vesting physical stores that have the disadvantage of being crowded especially during peak shopping seasons. This has made it the most preferred mode of purchase, something that justifies the high statistical findings of the UK populace choosing the option.

Ability to easily compare prices and see reviews: Before an online shopper settles on a product, they have the advantage of comparing at the click of a button, similar goods from competitor companies and looking at past customer experiences with the goods/service of interest. This helps in properly informing the buyer on the best among the available options, another reason for the steady rise in online shopping among UK consumers.

Ability to shop outside ones’ geographical location: With online shopping, one can buy the good or service of interest from providers located hundreds of lines away. This would not be possible if the buyer was to physically search for the same good/service, making it the most preferred mode.

According to Bbc.com, there was a 16.5% rise in 2013 compared to the previous year which is evidence of growing confidence in this mode of acquiring goods and services, especially given that the recorded increase was in the non-food segments.

Chats on Online shopping in the UK
This graph from IMRG shows the rapid steady growth of online shopping in the UK between 2002 and 2005

Findings from IMRG research as presented in this graph provide clear evidence that most industries dealing in consumables have felt the growth of online shopping with health and beauty taking lead in the period under review.

The grocery industry, which is one of the most vibrant areas with regards to online shopping, has experienced steady growth in the last decade as evidenced by these tabulated findings

Verdict research presented its findings that clearly show the overall industry growth pattern by sales volume between 2002 and 2007

These findings show how eCommerce has grown in comparison to the total retail output in the UK painting a picture of an economy that is clearly going online for its shopping needs

Impact of inline shopping on UK businesses
More working hours since websites are available 247: This helps in revenue growth
Ability to sell to customers outside a retailer’s area of operation: People buy through the internet from miles away
Ease of keeping up with the competition: Retailers can easily follow the actions of their competitors through the internet and keep up with market dynamics
Growth of support industries: Online sales has strengthened the home delivery industry in the UK and created more opportunities in the process.

Conclusion
From the findings, it’s clear that online shopping in the UK has steadily grown across industries with no particular area and service left behind. With 95% of shoppers going online, businesses in the UK should strive to compete in the online marketplace (Burrows, 2014). Seeking new ways to remain competitive in the online platform that includes the adoption of an efficient delivery and order management system is, therefore, key to the success of UK businesses. Read More