UK online fashion market grows to 10 billion pounds

The UK online fashion market is expected to be worth 10 billion pounds this year, according to new research from Mintel. E-commerce is seeing a strong growth in sales as consumers prefer to shop on line. 17 percent of online spending is on clothing and footwear, up from 13 percent in 2011.

The online market will grow to 19 billion pounds in 2019

While the growth rate has slowed from a 19 percent sales surge in 2012 as the market matures, sales are still expected to reach 19 billion pounds by 2019.

“The market for online fashion continues to see robust growth as consumers become more accustomed to shopping online,” said Mintel’s senior fashion analyst Tamara Sender. “Increased participation in shopping via smartphones and tablets has helped to bolster sales as consumers look to shop for clothes anytime and anywhere.

“Today’s Brits are increasingly moving between devices when shopping online, as well as using mobile devices to help them shop while in-store. As consumers combine different channels to shop for clothes, retailers have to ensure that shopping is truly seamless and that they give customers a consistent shopping experience whatever channel they choose to use,” she added.

The data shows that 70 percent of internet users buy clothing and footwear online, making the category the most purchased. In the 25-34 age group that rises to 80 percent, while it is 76 percent in the 16-24 age group.

Women are the biggest shoppers with 73 percent buying online, but there has been an increase in the amount of men buying online with a 13 percentage point jump over the last year to 65 percent, Mintel said.

In terms of devices, tablets are becoming increasingly popular with 20 percent of online shoppers using one to buy clothing in the last 12 months, while 44 percent of consumers have used click-and-collect for clothing purchases over the last year.

“Convenience-seeking consumers see click-and-collect as the fastest and cheapest way of receiving items reserved or purchased online,” said Sender. “Savvy retailers are beginning to recognise the value and importance of click-and-collect and are turning these into areas in their stores where customers can relax on a sofa and have a coffee while waiting for their items. It is now more important than ever for retailers to ensure that the process is a seamless online and in-store experience, which leaves the customer wanting to order again.”

Image: e-commerce