Shopping has become a leisure activity in its own right in the UK and Mintel's research reveals that 84% of the UK's adult population enjoy shopping/browsing for goods in person, while 33%, or 60% of Internet users, enjoy shopping or browsing for goods online. The UK has arguably one of the most sophisticated retail environments in the world, with Sunday trading and extended opening hours geared to the shopper's convenience, while considerable inward investment in the shopping environment has produced landmark schemes where leisure facilities frequently go hand-in-hand with the retail outlets themselves. The benefits of one-stop leisure destinations have become apparent for consumers, developers and operators alike.

This report deviates slightly from previous Mintel reports on the subject, acknowledging the growing trend for online shopping/browsing. It examines the market for leisure shopping, both in person and on the Internet, and looks at any correlation between the two. As well as background information on the two categories, exclusive research examines the items that consumers like to shop/browse for and their attitudes towards both in person and Internet leisure shopping.

Mintel’s findings offer you a unique way of understanding consumer trends and the attitudes of the market’s key target audiences, enabling you to tailor your marketing to real demand, both tactically and strategically. Use Mintel’s research to avoid market pitfalls, discover sector opportunities, identify growth potential and achieve the best possible results.