UK e-Retail 2008

Abstract

Overview

Introduction

Verdict Research: Though online retailing is undeniably the most dynamic aspect of retail, it remains characterised by a lack of reliable market information and analysis. By combining a comprehensive survey of the online shopping habits of over 4,000 consumers and thorough analysis of the online market, the main players, trends and forecasting techniques, this report is a uniquely valuable tool.

Scope

• Full analysis of key issues affecting the development of the market, including broadband access, Internet security and multichannel strategies.
• Market value and growth 2002- 2007 with annual forecasts to 2012 for the online market and nine key sub sectors separately.
• Consumer research analysing demographic profile of online shopper. Shopper profiles by age, gender, socio-economic group and region are also included.
• Assessment of Internet shopper behaviour including how consumers find websites and what factors determine why they prefer one retailer over another.

Highlights

With the number of Internet shoppers at all time high and online spending growing at the fastest rate for six years, e-retail shows no sign of succumbing to the economic downturn. The e-retail market grew by 35.0% between 2006 and 2007, its fastest pace for six years and significantly faster than that of the total retail market growth of just 3.6%.

An AB bias to online shoppers persists, but there has been a substantial rise in the number of C2s and DEs, driven by a falll in the cost of broadband. The number of C2 shoppers has increased by 35.5% to 4.2m and the number of DE online shoppers has increased by 38.9% to reach 2.5m.

Electricals and food & grocery dominate the online market, accounting for around half of all sales. With a growth rate of 39.5% in 2007, second largest sub sector food & grocery is on course to overtake electricals in the top spot. But these two will still constitute by far the largest two online sectors in value terms in 2012.

Reasons to Purchase

• Gauge the size and future growth potential of the online market and quantify the prospects it presents to your business.
• Gain a better understanding of the expectations of online shoppers and what influences their loyalty.
• Understand market opportunities from analysis of the strategies of your competitors and external events affecting consumers' propensity to shop online.