Global ecommerce and marketplace accelerator Pattern has polled UK online shoppers for the second year to understand their changing buying behaviour; particularly in relation to Amazon. One of the most interesting findings is that 89% of UK online shoppers bought gifts online in 2021, with 67% saying they’d bought gifts from Amazon; a higher percentage than reported buying gifts from omnichannel retailers’ websites (48%) or online-only retailers (34%).
These results support Pattern’s own Amazon UK trading data. We saw strong demand for gift items in 2021; our biggest single trading day occurred in December as UK consumers sought last-minute gifts that could be delivered in time for Christmas.
Pattern’s UK Shopper Report 2022 also found that Amazon Prime usage has increased by 17% to stand at 58.5% of all online shoppers. This is an indicator of Amazon’s future growth potential, as Prime adoption drives loyalty to the marketplace.
In 2022, 44.7% of online shoppers report having a Prime account; with a further 13.8% making use of someone else’s account. In 2021 40% had a Prime account and 10% made use of someone else’s account. The 18-24 age group are most likely to make use of someone else’s Prime account (31%), while the 35-44 age group are most likely to have their own Prime account (54%).
This, and other statistics from the survey, back up analysts’ predictions of Amazon UK’s continued attack on the market share of other retailers. EDGE By Ascential predicts that Amazon will become the largest retailer in the UK by Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in 2025.
Key findings from Pattern’s UK Shopper Report 2022
Amazon UK penetration
93% of UK online shoppers bought from Amazon in 2021 – the same rate as for 2020 – showing how Amazon has been able to retain the customers it acquired during lockdown.
Amazon UK sales predictions
The percentage of Amazon UK shoppers who intend to spend more on the platform this year compared to 2021 is greater than those who intend to spend less. 25.3% of Amazon customers expect to spend a little or a lot more on the marketplace in 2022, while 13.2% intend to spend a little or a lot less. 61.5% intend to spend about the same as 2021.
Amazon’s key role in the early stages of shopper journeys
93% of UK online shoppers gave at least one reason for visiting Amazon in the past year that indicates they use the platform when first deciding what to buy, and where to buy it from. 63% had visited Amazon to check the price of products, 56% to look for gifts, 50% to check product information and 37% for purchase inspiration.
Our consumer poll results add to the growing weight of evidence that Amazon’s growth has yet to peak in the UK. In addition to direct indicators of increasing GMV, the growth in Prime usage and reliance on Amazon for product and pricing information demonstrate the marketplace’s success in making itself an essential platform for UK online shoppers.
– Joanna Perry, Global Head of Marketing, Pattern
