More European searches for UK retailers

The number of internet searches for UK retailers has increased, mostly thanks to Russian and Dutch consumers. According to research from the British Retail Consortium, in co-operation with Google, the number of overseas consumers searching for UK retailers grew with 23 percent in 2013’s third quarter. Total retail search volumes grew 12 percent in the third quarter of 2013, compared with the same period one year earlier.

Russian searches rose 54 percent, while the number of Dutch shoppers searching for UK retailers like Asos or Tesco grew 50 percent and South Korean searches rose 39 percent. On the other hand there’s the amount of searches from China, which dropped 9 percent this period. Altogether the data shows a major potential for further expansion for UK retailers across the border, says Helen Dickinson, director-general of the BRC.

Clothing, beauty and department stores
“The growth in global customers searching for UK retailers online is up by an impressive 23 per cent on the previous year and shows how the quality, range and accompanying service offered by ‘Brand Britain’ is something respected around the world. For the first time, we can also see which areas of UK retail rank most highly in these overseas searches, with clothing, beauty and department stores making up the top three.” Searches for clothing brands rose 26 percent compared to the same period one year ago, while department store searches increased 25 percent year-on-year.

If we look closely at the data, you could also see a change in how households use the internet. “We’re again seeing strong growth for searches on tablets and smartphones, showing that these are playing an increasingly integral role in the customer journey. Retailers are continuing to invest significantly in their multichannel offer, so that they can provide customers fast and user-friendly ways to browse and buy whether in-store, at home or on the move.” Especially searches on tablets were very popular, as its volume rose 100%. Smartphone searches grew 58%, while desktop searches declined 10%.