Want to invest in UK online shopping stocks? Here are some companies I’d look at

Keen to invest in e-tail? Here’s a look at a selection of UK online shopping stocks that could be set to benefit from the e-commerce boom.

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When it comes to powerful investment themes, it’s hard to look past the growth of e-commerce. In the UK, the percentage of overall retail sales represented by online sales has skyrocketed from approximately 6.5% to around 20% over the last decade.

And looking ahead, the trend is expected to continue. According to industry experts, internet sales could account for over 50% of total UK retail sales by as early as 2028.

For investors, the growth of online shopping is likely to present many opportunities in the years ahead. With that in mind, here’s a look at some UK online shopping stocks that could help you gain exposure to this growth story.

Online shopping stocks UK

Source: ONS

Online shopping stocks: pure online retailers

If you’re looking for online shopping stocks, the best place to start is generally pure online retailers. These are companies that only sell goods online. Many of the world’s largest pure online retailers such as Amazon and eBay are listed in the US. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for investors here in the UK.

One example is Ocado. It’s an online supermarket that describes itself as the ‘world’s largest dedicated online grocery retailer.’ It also specialises in helping other supermarkets with warehouse automation. 

There’s also ASOS and Boohoo, which specialise in online fashion. These companies, which sell a massive variety of clothing online, have both registered prolific revenue growth over the last five years. 

Additionally, there are niche online retailers. One example is Gear4music, which sells musical instruments online. It’s another company that has grown rapidly over the last few years.

Retailers that sell online

‘Omnichannel’ retailers that sell a proportion of their goods online could also potentially be worth considering. One that has seen solid growth in online sales recently is JD Sports Fashion, which mainly sells trainers and athleisure clothing. Major supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s (which owns Argos) have also experienced strong online growth in recent years.

Warehouse and logistics companies

Retailers are not the only online shopping stocks you can invest in, however. The e-commerce industry is made up of many different subsectors, meaning there are plenty of other ways to get exposure to the theme.

One area that could be worth considering is warehouse and logistics companies. These types of companies appear well placed to benefit from the online shopping boom. Examples include the likes of SEGRO and Tritax Big Box REIT, which are both warehouse-focused real estate investment trusts. Then there’s logistics specialist Clipper Logistics. Its customers include the likes of ASOS and Joules.

Packaging companies

Packaging companies can also offer exposure to the theme. One good example is DS Smith. It manufactures the types of cardboard boxes that Amazon deliveries come in. Other companies in this sector include Mondi and Smurfit Kappa.

Technology-focused online shopping stocks

Finally, there are plenty of niche technology companies that could help investors capitalise on the growth of online shopping. For example, one stock I like is GB Group, which provides identity management technology. Its customers include ASOS and Nordstrom. DotDigital is another interesting play. It specialises in email marketing software.

Overall, there are many different online shopping stocks listed in the UK. The key, as always, is to diversify your capital across a few holdings in order to give yourself the best chance of profiting from the theme.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Edward Sheldon owns shares in ASOS, Boohoo, JD Sports Fashion, DotDigital, GB Group, DS Smith, Mondi, Clipper Logistics and Tritax Big Box. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended Amazon and ASOS. The Motley Fool UK has recommended boohoo group, Clipper Logistics, dotDigital Group, DS Smith, eBay, Tesco, and Tritax Big Box REIT and recommends the following options: long January 2021 $18 calls on eBay, short January 2021 $37 calls on eBay, short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon, and long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

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