10 ways UK online retailers can drive consumer spending
Obsess over your product line
It may sound obvious, but what you sell says everything about your business. Whether you focus on low‑value essentials or premium products, your inventory should clearly reflect your wider strategy.
Ask yourself:
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Is your range consistent or fragmented?
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Does it meet genuine customer needs?
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Is it easy for shoppers to understand your offer?
Clear, well‑structured product listings build trust, improve conversion and encourage repeat purchases.
Re‑focus on your value proposition
Your value proposition shows up everywhere: your website, product descriptions, email campaigns, promotions and loyalty schemes. Together, these touchpoints tell your brand story.
Take time to review how each element of the customer journey is performing. Identify what’s driving engagement and revenue, and pause or remove what isn’t. This approach delivers quick wins by cutting inefficiencies while refocusing spend on what resonates most with customers.
Explore new sales channels
Consumer behaviour is increasingly unpredictable, making channel diversification more important than ever. Reviewing where you sell – and expanding into new marketplaces – helps future‑proof revenue and increase product visibility.
The right technology and logistics setup is critical. Using marketplace shipping software and working with an experienced parcel delivery partner allows you to:
This creates a smoother experience for both your team and your customers.
Provide a subscription option
Subscriptions offer predictable revenue for retailers and spending control for consumers. UK shoppers now spend around £2 billion annually on subscriptions, although the model has evolved during the cost‑of‑living crisis.
Flexible approaches are gaining traction, including:
If your product or service supports it, subscriptions can strengthen loyalty and lifetime value – but only when aligned with customer expectations.
Expand into new markets
Cross‑border eCommerce is forecast to exceed $3.3 trillion by 2028, up from $1.6 trillion in 2023. For UK retailers, international markets represent a major growth opportunity.
While international shipping and export regulations can feel complex, the right partner simplifies the process. Whistl Parcels, part of the Whistl Group, removes friction by offering:
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A single point of contact and collection
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Fully tracked and untracked services
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Economy and express international delivery options
This enables retailers to scale internationally without adding operational strain.
Offer preferred payment methods
Making it easy to pay reduces friction and cart abandonment. Research from ConsumerX found:
Alongside card payments and PayPal, consider digital wallets and region‑specific payment methods – particularly if you’re selling overseas. The right mix boosts conversion, trust and long‑term loyalty.
Make returns easy and reliable
Returns are a core part of the eCommerce journey, with 71% of UK consumers returning items at least some of the time.
While some retailers now charge for returns, convenience remains non‑negotiable. Customers expect:
Retailers that offer fully managed returns benefit from higher satisfaction, increased upsell opportunities and stronger brand loyalty.
Maintain online presence and discoverability
The UK’s leading online retailers continue to invest in technology and marketing to stand out in a crowded market. Regardless of size, discoverability remains critical.
Alongside platforms such as Shopify and Magento, AI‑powered tools now support:
These technologies help retailers stay visible, relevant and competitive.
Optimise your UX and CX
User Experience (UX) and Customer Experience (CX) are tightly linked and central to customer retention.
The Unified Commerce Benchmark for Speciality Retail found that 51% of shoppers believe checkout is the area most in need of improvement. Beyond checkout, retailers should also focus on:
Each improvement reduces friction and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.
Be proactive
Retailers that act early gain the advantage. By adopting multi‑channel strategies, optimising operations and staying focused on customer value, eCommerce businesses can navigate uncertainty with confidence.
There are clear signs of recovery and opportunity – but no room for complacency. The UK retail landscape continues to evolve, and adaptability remains the key to long‑term success.
