This article will be very important to all residents of the United Kingdom, especially those who relocated to the country newly and are not yet conversant with online shopping sites in the UK.
To those who are in other countries of the world but want to make online purchases from UK, it is also necessary that you read this article carefully to the end to see the Best Online Shopping Sites to buy from at every point in time.
The internet has forever changed how we shop. And while nothing beats going into a store to touch, feel or try a product before we buy it, the reality is that most of our purchasing now happens online. See Top Shopping Apps in the UK.
One of the most popular places to do that is on UK websites. This is because when it comes to high-quality, affordable products, there’s no better place. Shop at any online store in the UK and get your items delivered to your virtual address.
UK stores are filled with everything, from celebrity-inspired fashions to beauty products and household appliances.
And while UK shoppers have the luxury of visiting a physical store, those outside the United Kingdom can find better deals by visiting their online stores. See Shopping Stores in the UK.
20 Best Online Shopping Sites in the UK
The following are the top online shopping sites to buy from in the UK:
1. Amazon UK
The best place to start, obvs, is Amazon UK – the most popular online shopping site in the UK. You’d have to live on the moon not to have heard of Amazon.
But if you haven’t, It’s a global marketplace where you can purchase everything from high-end electronics and designer clothes to hard-to-find and obscure items.
Okay, so it doesn’t have a physical store, but it’s the perfect place to start your UK online shopping experience.
2. John Lewis
John Lewis offers a wide range of tech, homeware, beauty, lighting, fashion and garden products. And there’s a wide selection of gifts and toys too.
It’s one of the UK’s premium department stores with 35 outlets nationwide, and while it’s at the higher end of the pricing scale, the quality of its products is second to none.
3. Argos
Another popular UK merchant that sells a wide variety of household and department store items is Argos.
There’s so much to choose from you’ll probably spend all day surfing the site and filling your basket while munching a packet of biscuits!
4. Marks and Spencer
M&S is a multinational retailer of high-end clothing, lingerie, furniture, home décor, and gourmet food (although you won’t be able to purchase those if you’re an international buyer). It’s one of the biggest names on the British high street with quality only matched by John Lewis.
5. Next
Next is an in-house label of high-end men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing – along with housewares and accessories.
While they have several stores all over the UK, Next is also an international merchant that offers international delivery to more than 70 countries.
Check their “Clearance” section for great deals on discounted items.
6. Boots
Looking for a new pair of stylish boots? Then you’ll have to look elsewhere!
Boots is a famous pharmacy chain in the UK and Ireland and can be found on the high street, in airports and in shopping centres.
They sell over-the-counter medication, perfumes, cosmetics, health and wellness items, and prescription medicines.
7. Homebase
Homebase is a home improvement and garden centre store that carries everything you need for those renovation or lawn projects.
There are a lot of bargains to be had, especially if you want to freshen your home without paying over-the-top prices.
8. IWOOT
IWOOT is a cool little shop where you can shop online for geeky techy gifts and gadgets. You’ll find electronic items, apparel and toys. And they usually have a 3 for £20 deal where you can land some great bargains.
9. Wickes
Wickes is another home improvement store where you can order products like flooring, paint, lumber, tools, and appliances.
Be sure to sign up for the Wickes email list to have special offers and vouchers sent to your inbox as they become available.
10. Currys
Currys (formally five separate companies) is a retailer of TVs, gadgets, white goods, computers, printers, and loads of other tech too.
There’s so much to choose from, you could kit your gaming room or study out with all the latest tech, like some space-age room of the future.
Other Top Online Stores Worth Exploring
11. Littlewoods
Littlewoods is an online retailer of high-end fashion designs for men and women, as well as fragrances, accessories, gifts, jewellery, and more. They regularly have 40% off sales, so look out for those.
Oh, and you‘ll also find great deals in the ‘Clearance’ section too.
11. Jacamo
Jacamo is a men’s clothing specialist, and it’s the place to go if you’re looking for something in every size and shape.
From jeans, tees and joggers to suits, shoes and blazers, their range will keep you on their site for hours.
They pretty much sprung up overnight in the noughties and have been the dog’s private parts ever since.
12. Halfords
Halfords is a UK online shopping site for cycling accessories, car parts, tools, and related items. Be sure to sign up for their email list to have special offers and vouchers sent to your inbox as they become available.
13. Sports Direct
Sports Direct is a popular retailer of sporting apparel and accessories. They have clothing and shoes for men, women, and children – along with a wide range of products for nearly every sport and outdoor activity imaginable.
If you can, pick up one of their massive mugs, they’re so big you could fit a family of hobbits in them.
14. Debenhams
Debenhams’ high street demise was much publicized during the pandemic. Still, it survives as an online store known for its designer clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as perfumes, cosmetics, furniture, gifts and homeware.
Be sure to sign up for their email list to have special deals sent to your inbox as they become available.
15. Hollister
Hollister sells designer tees, jeans, jumpers, hoodies, sportswear and sneakers aimed at teens and young adults (but there’s a lot for more mature buyers too). Check out their ‘Sale’ section for the latest high-end products at discount prices.
16. River Island
River Island is another popular clothing shop with fashionable apparel for men, women, and kids. It’s one of the most recognizable names on the UK high street, and by joining their email list, you get special offers sent to your inbox and 15% off your first shop.
17. The Body Shop
The Body Shop is the place to go if you want a new arm, leg, head or torso… not really. It’s the perfect place to find skincare products, cosmetics, and perfume. They have products to keep you young, beautiful, and glamorous – no matter the season.
The loyalty card is one of the best you’ll find, with regular discounts and rewards, including a free birthday gift purchase.
18. Harrods
Everyone is familiar with the luxury department store Harrods. The good news is – you can now shop all their fabulous designer products online.
Harrods often has pop-up coupon codes and offers that appear on the site, so be sure to look for those when you shop.
19. Jessops
Jessops is a retailer of professional-grade photography equipment such as cameras, tripods, lenses, and more.
They also have used products for sale, which are just as great as new ones but can cost a fraction of the retail price.
20. House of Fraser
House of Fraser has a long history in the UK, dating back to 1849. They sell clothing, gifts, shoes, luggage, beauty products and items for the home.
They’ve been around since 1849, and you don’t last that long without selling stuff everybody wants to get their hands on.
21. Screwfix
Screwfix is another UK home improvement store that stocks everything you need for those home repair and renovation projects. Prices vary across the range, with lots of quality products available at a fair price.
22. New Look
New Look is a popular fashion retailer with apparel for men, women, and children. They offer high-end designs for all occasions and even have a plus-size section.
New Look offers 30% off your first order if you sign up for their email list and 10% off for university students in their UNiDays section. See Top Online Shopping Sites in Belarus.
23. H&M
H&M clothing lines are affordable and stylish, with lines available for men, women, children and gender-neutral.
Not only that, there are lots of home, beauty and Christmas products to purchase too. And to make even more savings, don’t forget to check out their ‘Sale’ pages.
24. eBay UK
Like eBay, wherever you are, eBay UK is part of the global online marketplace and auction house home to millions of products. While big-box merchants and popular brands sell their items on eBay, private sellers do too.
And it’s also a great place to go for obscure items (and a load of old tat) no longer available in regular stores.
25. Appliances Direct
Appliances Direct is an online retailer of home appliances. Refrigerators, stoves, wall ovens, microwaves – whichever appliance you’re looking for, you can find it at Appliances Direct. Check out their sale offers on the homepage for the best deals on various products.
26. Laptops Direct
Laptops Direct is a division of Appliances Direct. They have a large inventory of new and used laptop computers and accessories and peripherals to outfit them.
Some of their refurbished products work just as well as the new ones, with the bonus of them being 60% cheaper.
27. Electrical Discount UK
Electrical Discount UK is another online retailer of home appliances. They have great deals all the time on a wide range of products.
Check out their ‘Clearance’ section for big discounts on discontinued items.
28. Gentlemen’s Tonic
Gentlemen’s Tonic is a subdivision of Mayfair and is an online retailer of men’s skincare products. They have lotions, aftershave, and cologne – along with gift sets of various products. So if you’re looking to treat yourself or the man in your life, this place is just the tonic.
Still, it’s a shame they don’t sell tonic water. They’re missing a trick there.
29. Foyles
Foyles is an online bookstore featuring titles for all genres and sells gifts and themed memorabilia for lovers of specific book series.
Not only that, but they also have signed copies of popular and obscure titles for book collectors.
30. Blue Nile
The Blue Nile is a retailer of fine handcrafted jewelry that allows you to create and customize every piece, down to the setting, style, and finish. The Blue Nile offers a free consultant service to help you choose the perfect piece of jewellery for you.
How much does an online shop cost the UK?
The average cost of a basic eCommerce website can range between £1500-£2500. The cost will cover the expenses of design, hosting, store annual cost, SSL (secure socket layer) certificate, and ongoing annual cost. However, the cost may increase if you want maintenance and other features for your eCommerce website.
Is there an AliExpress in UK?
AliExpress is a great option for UK shoppers looking for the best deals on products from around the world. With its easy-to-use interface and secure payment options, AliExpress makes shopping online a breeze. Let’s take a look at how to shop on AliExpress.
What do people in the UK buy the most?
Among UK consumers the two most popular categories for online purchases are Clothing and Shoes. 57 percent and 37 percent of consumers respectively chose these answers in our representative online survey. The survey was conducted online among 1,008 respondents in the UK, in 2023.
I hope you have found this article helpful. In case of any other questions about the top online shopping store in the UK, kindly make use of the section below.