Online Shopping: 8 in 10 users now buy goods or services online

Almost 8 in 10 (79%) of users now use online shopping according to Household Digital Consumer Behaviour 2021, a new report released by The Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Of female internet users, 83% purchased online compared with 75% of males while at an overall level, the most popular online purchase was clothes, shoes or accessories (includes bags, jewellery, etc.) (80%) while 30% bought sports goods.

The research also showed that half (50%) of internet users bought online ready-made food delivered (includes takeaways), while 16% purchased food/drinks from stores or meal-kit providers.

Nearly seven in 10 (68%) of internet users obtained information online from public authorities and services websites or apps, and two-thirds (67%) looked up health-related information online.

Eight in 10 (80%) of internet users used internet telephoning/video calls (such as MS Teams, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc) and more than three in 10 (31%) of internet users did an online course in 2021.

Commenting on the report, Maureen Delamere, Statistician, said: “Life in Ireland has changed quite substantially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of restrictions on movement has seen the number of hours people spend on the internet for work or personal reasons increase. In 2021, we were online more than ever, working from home, relying on technology and digital services.

“Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres did not re-open until mid-2021. Also, sports fixtures and training sessions were cancelled, to varying degrees, during lockdown periods. Three in ten (30%) bought sports goods (includes sports gear and equipment but excludes sports clothing) online.”

Looking at online communication, Maureen Delamere, Statistician, said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in remote working from home. Eight in 10 (80%) of internet users used internet telephoning/video calls. Email was the most popular activity carried out on the internet – 93% of internet users surveyed in 2021 used email.

“People also chose to use online communication channels, and in 2021 seven in 10 (70%) of internet users used social networking. The data shows that the younger you are, the more likely you are to use social networking.

“Almost nine in 10 (89%) of persons aged 16 to 29 years communicated on social network platforms. Instant messaging such as via Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp and Viber was reported by 84% of internet users.

“People were also choosing to upskill during this time using online resources. More than three in 10 (31%) reported doing an online course, compared with just 13% in 2019, the last pre-pandemic year.

With regard to the sharing economy, in 2021, just 4% of internet users rented accommodation (room, apartment, house, holiday cottage, etc.) via a website or app from a private person (for example Airbnb), while 15% arranged accommodation on a digital platform from a commercial enterprise such as hotel, travel agency, etc.”

In terms of the use of e-Government, Maureen Delamere, further commented: “At an overall level, nearly seven in 10 (68%) of internet users obtained information from public authorities’/public services’ websites or apps (such as the COVID Tracker App), while two thirds (66%) submitted completed forms online.”