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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a watershed moment for the UK economy. Suddenly unable to trade in the usual way, retailers had to think quickly about how to take their products online and attract customers. In the fashion sector, brands such as BooHoo have thrived, whereas the highstreet behemoth Primark, has reportedly missed out on approximately £1 billion in sales as it continually refuses to sell online.
In 2020 alone, it is estimated that 81% of the UK population used online shopping at least once, with most of those shopping online regularly.
Even with the end of lockdown in sight, the last year has gone a long way towards changing customer shopping habits permanently. People like the convenience and simplicity of being able to buy directly from their smartphone or laptop. When the high street reopens, it will have to find new ways of attracting face to face shoppers.
So, what can we expect in the world of online shopping in 2021?
Health and self-care will be a priority
Our own health and wellbeing will continue to take centre stage this year. During the lockdown, a lot of people took the opportunity to really take a look at their health and overhaul their diet and lifestyle, putting their own health first.
Online exercise platforms like Centr and Peloton became popular and Joe Wicks kept the nation fit with his YouTube workouts. Having launched his own fitness app at the end of 2020, Joe Wicks picked up almost 150,000 subscribers between Christmas and New Year as people decided to get fitter in 2021
Mental health became a priority too, with record numbers using apps such as Headspace to help them manage stress and practice mindfulness.
The health sector began to adapt too, with doctors offering phone and video appointments to patients. Seeking medical treatment for non-emergencies also became much more accessible as people began to use an Online Pharmacy. These pharmacies are the ideal way to consult with a qualified pharmacist, without having to leave the house. Any treatment needed is delivered directly to your door. An online pharmacy is a great way to ensure you stay healthy and can access any advice, products or medicines you might need.
Supporting independent retailers
Small and independent retailers have been hit hard during the pandemic, but many people have made a specific effort to keep buying from local retailers in a bid to support the local economy. A lot of local businesses really stepped up during lockdown, providing local services and deliveries to those in need, when supermarkets were facing shortages.
This trend is set to continue even as the bigger retailers reopen for business as people have seen the importance of these businesses to not only the economy but the community too.
Shoppers will look for ethical brands and products
Consumers have let retailers know that their own brand values and ethics have never been more important. Shoppers want to buy from brands that have the same priorities and principles as they do.
This could mean buying from retailers with environmentally friendly policies or ethical working practices with suppliers.
You’ll be ordering from your smart speaker
Many homes now have at least one smart speaker in them. The Amazon Alexa and Google Home are two of the most popular. But rather than be a glorified way to play music of the weather, more and more people are using their smart speakers to shop online.
Shoppers will be able to search for products, buy and track deliveries, all from their smart speakers.
Same day delivery will become more popular
Retailers know that when you order your items, you want them as fast as possible. Companies like Amazon and Argos have been offering same-day delivery for a while now, with some supermarkets offering it in certain areas too. As online shopping becomes the norm, retailers have started to use regional warehousing, rather than retail stores, for their stock, meaning that you could get the option to start receiving your items the very same day.
Shopping directly from your social media
How often have you found something you want to buy on a Facebook page or Instagram account. Now the social media platforms are making it easier than ever to buy without even leaving your social media app. Instagram has launched a checkout and Facebook has introduced its own ‘Buy’ button. Even TikTok is experimenting with new e-commerce features.
Takeaways
Trends over the last decade have reflected a shift towards shopping online. The events of the last year have artificially accelerated this, and online shopping will continue to be a preferred way to do things for many people.