In 2020, 62% of UK SME online retailers will be aiming to increase their international sales revenues. International trade continues to be important for UK SMEs. Almost a fifth (18%) of UK SME retailers import goods; 16% export goods and 49% do both.
This is according to a study commissioned by Royal Mail. With global reach and the leading enabler of ecommerce in the UK, Royal Mail is well placed to observe trends across the industry.
Having a physical, face-to-face presence with customers is also important to UK SMEs. Almost half (45%) of UK SME online retailers have a physical store as well as an online presence. For those that sell products in a physical store, 82% say it is their own store, but 27% sell in another shop owner’s store.
UK SMEs are looking at increasing sales in 2020. Just under half (46%) are planning to sell through new or additional channels in 2020. 72% of UK SME online retailers have their own website, with 59% of those who don’t planning on launching their own website in 2020.
Shane O’Riordain, Managing Director of Marketing, Regulation And Corporate Affairs, Royal Mail says: “It’s promising to see that in the next year many smaller retailers in the UK are looking to build their international sales. The physical store still has a role to play and many SME retailers have a presence both online and in-store. Royal Mail supports many retail businesses in their overseas expansion and we look forward to working with even more of them in the future.”
