Britain leads Europe’s online shopping boom
According to consumer delivery specialist Hermes’ survey, more Brits (27%) shopped online in the last three months than other European countries such as France (14%) and Germany (10%).
The survey of more than 4,000 consumers across the three countries, of which 2,000 were UK-based, found that 42% of Brits plan to shop online even more during the coming 12 months compared to 30% in France and 28% in Germany.
Furthermore, almost three-quarters of British online shoppers (73%) say they plan to widen their horizons and shop with a greater variety of retailers. This is, once again, more than those shoppers in France (64%) and Germany (58%).
Around 84% of British and French shoppers have made a purchase from an overseas retailer, compared to just 67% in Germany. And, more German and French shoppers make purchases from UK retailers than they do from American or Chinese.
The delivery specialist’s survey also asked consumers what was the most appealing feature when it came to online shopping deliveries. A quarter, across all countries, said ‘a free and reliable returns service’.
Almost half (44%) of British online shoppers said retailers were to blame for high levels of returns. If product information was clearer, they said, they would not need to return as many items as they currently do.
