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What happened to internet retail sales in Great Britain?
With widening internet access and mobile shopping apps, retail sales moved online. In Britain, shopping centres face strong competition from digital retailers. How did retail shoppers respond to the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic?
On 23 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced a nationwide lockdown. These strict curbs included shutting all ‘non-essential’ shops and services. Healthcare is a devolved matter, so rules and guidance fractured. There were two lock-downs in England in the following year.
Internet sales for retail purchases were increasing in Great Britain. New technologies for one generation are ordinary for the next.
In November 2019, the internet share of all retail sales was about 22%. The Office for National Statistics conducts a monthly business survey. The sample contains all large retailers and some businesses employing under 100 people. This survey had an average response rate of 61% during 2023. Those respondents equated to around 92% of sampled turnover. Monthly statistics estimate the value and volume of retail sales in Great Britain.
Lock-down rules meant some shops had to close. People moved their retail shopping online. In May 2020, the internet share of retail sales reached 33%. With later…
