Key facts
- Online sales accounted for 27.3% of UK retail sales in August 2026.
- Primark is investing in a warehouse to enable home shipping.
- Shoppers want free, simple, and quick returns for online purchases.
UK shoppers are increasingly opting for online retail over physical stores, citing issues with in-store sizing, convenience, and value. Jess Moreau, a culture journalist, finds online shopping quicker and less demoralizing than visiting brick-and-mortar stores, especially for plus-size clothing where in-store options are often limited.
Julia Mitchell, a content creator, also prefers online shopping for better prices and a less overstimulating experience. Sandra Davies, who has experienced strokes, finds physical shopping too demanding. Retail analyst Julie Palmer notes that Primark's move into home deliveries acknowledges the scale of online sales and the critical importance of hassle-free returns for customer retention.
Online sales represented 27.3% of all UK retail sales in August 2026, up from 18.1% in August 2019. This trend is further amplified by the decline of the high street, with shoppers like Jess noticing fewer reasons to visit town centers.