UK Ecommerce Snapshots: Mollie’s Latest Findings
While the cost‑of‑living crisis still feels like a global bubble that never popped, Mollie’s newest European Ecommerce Report has some bright spots that might just make you smile – or at least push that next checkout button.
Spending with a Twist of Hope
- Nearly 50 % of shoppers still believe the economy is about to get a lift in the short term.
- They’re ready to spend more over the next year, even if the watch‑dial shows a sluggish tempo.
Discounts: The Sweet Tooth Factor
Who doesn’t love a bargain? That’s right – 38 % of UK shoppers say they’re more likely to pick up discounted goods than they were a year ago.
And 47 % actually feel the urge to load their carts if the price tag shows a nice sticker price slip.
Shopping Habits – The Major Shift
Only 1 % of shoppers claim their buying habits haven’t changed at all, which means the rest of us have been adopting new strategies faster than a pop‑song can go viral.
Social Media: The Digital “Been There, Bought That” Influence
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<li 21 % of shoppers admit that a content creator’s recommendation nudged them toward an online purchase – the highest in Europe.
<li Only 1 % aren’t turning to social platforms for product research.
Bottom line? Inflated prices are nudging people toward discount‑loving, socially‑influenced shopping that’s all about that instant gratification. Mollie’s data shows shoppers are still buying, just doing so in a slightly different rhythm.
UK consumers shrug off economic pressures
What the Latest Consumer Survey Says About the UK Economy
Bottom line: A lot of Brits are feeling a bit jittery about the economy, but most are hopeful they won’t stay stuck in a rainy mood for too long.
Economic Outlook: The Mood Is Darker Than a London Fog
- 61% of consumers admit they’re on the negative side of the scale when it comes to the current state of the UK economy.
- On the flip side, 46% think the situation will brighten up in the next 6–12 months.
So, half of the crowd is feeling the stress heat, while the other half keeps an eye on that rainbow that might finally pop.
Shopping Habits: More Money, More Online
- 49% of shoppers are planning to spend a bit more money over the next year—and they’re doing it mostly online.
Looks like the digital aisles are the new go-to. Virtual carts are packing up faster than an English pub on game night.
BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later): The Trend Is Jiving
- 64% of UK users say they’re using “Buy Now, Pay Later” more than before in the last 12 months.
People are itching to split up their payments, probably while sipping a cuppa or two. The BNPL craze might just keep a few more shoppers itchingly future‑ready.
In a nutshell, the economy feels a bit like a twilight drizzle for many, but optimism (and a surge in online spending) keeps the shopping horizon bright. And hey—if you can ride this BNPL wave, don’t forget to bring a life jacket.
The power of social influence
Social Media Shopping: Where UK Buyers Spend Their Time
Picture a savvy shopper scrolling through videos instead of brochures. For many in Britain, YouTube is the go-to research hub – a whopping 44% of consumers admit they’d binge‑watch a product review before clicking shop. Next up? The Meta‑fam: Facebook and Instagram, pulling in 43% and 38% respectively. And let’s not forget TikTok, with 22% of shoppers checking out quick clips.
Tax Deductions: Keep More Dough in Your Pocket
Remember last year’s tax season? If you’re a business owner or freelancer, file those receipts to snag extra deductions – literally keep more cash in your pocket.
In‑app Shopping: Retail as Easy as a Swipe
So-called “buy‑in‑app” features are making it a breeze to green‑light a purchase while you’re still scrolling. 41% of UK consumers have already bought something straight from Facebook. YouTube follows with 32%, and Instagram isn’t far behind at 30%. It’s like getting a product recommendation from your favourite influencer and purchasing in one second – no more leaving the app.
- YouTube – 44% research
- Facebook – 43% research, 41% purchases
- Instagram – 38% research, 30% purchases
- TikTok – 22% research
Key capabilities retailers need to offer
Free Shipping: The Game‑Changer of Online Shopping
Picture this: you’re all set to snag that snazzy gadget you saw on a slick website, but the price tag rises because of shipping. Suddenly, you’re looking at the checkout page and wondering, “Is this really worth it?” Statistics show that 41% of UK shoppers say they’ll actually decide to buy or not based on FREE shipping. Even more—52% of folks abandon a cart purely because the delivery fee looks like a bomb.
Why Shipping Matters More in the UK
- UK shoppers are the most prone to ditch a purchase if shipping costs seem steep.
- In other regions, the “high shipping” shockwaves are noticeably weaker.
Beating the Shopping Blues One Email at a Time
When shoppers sit down to shop, most of them want something extra that encourages them to complete the purchase:
- Discount Codes After Checkout – 47% say that a coupon waiting in their inbox after they’ve tried to leave the site actually pulls them back in.
- Brands You Love – 39% admit that an email from a favourite brand can push them over the line.
The Power of Email
Email remains the Undisputed Champ. Think of it as the friendly nudge that says, “Hey, you’re almost there—look, here’s a deal to sweeten the kettle.”
Security: The Invisible Barrier
It’s not just about the price tag. A lot of shoppers give up halfway because they feel unsafe.
- Security Worries – 46% cart‑abandoning shoppers say they’re scared of data theft.
- Third‑Party Sharing – 33% skip out because they’re unsure who might see their info.
Feeling Safe, Feeling Lucky
Brands need to talk peace of mind into their checkout pages. The right wording and transparency—like “Your data stays on the product page”—can turn a hesitant shopper into a happy one.
Bottom line: free shipping, relevant email offers, and a solid security promise are the holy trinity that keeps UK shoppers rushing—no ad copy needed.
How to delight UK shoppers
Why UK Retailers Are Being Asked to Play Payment Matchmaker
In a recent eye‑popping study, 94% of shoppers in the UK say it matters whether a store can do their favorite way to pay. Even more—58%—opened the eyes wide: “Very important.” Think of it as a shopping spa: you’d pay in a way that feels comfortable and leaves you refreshed.
Checkout: The Fast Lane Needed by 40% of Shoppers
Whether you’re saving your info or breezing through as a one‑off guest, 40% of UK consumers have it nailed down: a smooth checkout is the secret sauce that turns clicks into cash. That’s a solid step up from the continental average of 29%—predicting a solid boost for businesses that keep it slick.
“It’s the Digital Balancing Act”
“We’re living in a time of economic jitters, but that doesn’t stop folks from piling up their Amazon carts,” says Mia Hunter, the big boss of Mollie’s UK arm. “This report tells us that consumers are ready to spend more online while still looking for the best payment options and a checkout that feels like a breath of fresh air.”
Buy‑Now, Pay‑Later – Not Just a Trend
The “Buy Now, Pay Later” craze is growing, and social media is turning into a research hub for products. According to Hunter, “It’s high time merchants take a comprehensive, flexible stance to keep up with this dynamic market.”
What the Numbers Actually Mean
- 94% of shoppers demand payment diversity.
- 58% rate payment options as “very important.”
- 40% say a smoother checkout means higher chances of closing the sale.
- UK customers are above the European average on all fronts.
Our Mollie research panel, surveyed 5,000 ecommerce shoppers across Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and the UK—thanks to the lean geniuses at Coleman Parkes—offers a crystal‑clear view. Miss the memo? Subscribe now for real‑time updates on this post category straight to your device.
