Social works
Social media is now has a bigger influence on shopping habits, choices and decisions than at any other time, according to our UK Delivery Matters 2019 report.
Almost 23% of social media shoppers have bought items after seeing posts or comments on social channels. 45% of 18-34-year-olds have purchased an item after viewing a post or comment from a friend, blogger or celebrity and 30% of 25-34-year-olds would like to be able to shop directly on social media channels.
Consumers continue to browse online for the best deals and prices, from the comfort of their homes. Shoppers prefer to browse online rather than in-store for ease of being able to compare prices, range of choice, ease of searching and comfort.
In a three-month period, the average UK shopper made more than six online purchases, spending more than £220. On average, shoppers spend £38 on each online transaction they make, up from £34 last year.
Clothing is the most popular category purchased online, with women significantly more likely to buy fashion than men (53% vs 37%).
When shopping online, laptops are still the device most commonly used, but more and more shopping is being done on mobile devices – with 43% of shoppers claiming to have made a purchase via a smartphone, which is up from 39% last year.
The location where online buyers choose to make their purchases has evolved. For most, home is still the primary place to peruse and purchase, but shopping while travelling or commuting is also popular, as is shopping at work.
Preferred timings show a bias towards later online shopping. Three-quarters make purchases online in the evening, followed by 65% in the afternoon and 52% at lunchtime.
Over the last few years, social media has had an increasing impact on the way UK consumers shop. The delivery and occasional return of these items is now a core part of the customer experience, so retailers should choose a delivery provider they can trust and one which offers their customers both mobile friendly channels and convenient local access points.
