United Kingdom (UK) Off to University: Analysing Buying Dynamics, Channel Usage, Spending and Retailer Selection
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The GlobalData Retail UK Off to University 2025 report forms part of the Retail Occasions series, and offers a comprehensive overview of the retail occasion of students starting and returning back to university, analysing the market, the major players, the main trends and consumer attitudes.
Scope
Consumers are less inclined to trade down to own-brand items to save money on university purchases.
Impulse purchases declined overall in 2024 as consumers made more considered purchases.
Consumers opting to use third-party pickup for fulfilment of university items has risen above 2023 levels.
Key Highlights
Off to uni shoppers generally feel better off financially compared to 2024, resulting in increased total spend and higher penetration across categories
Impulse purchases increased overall in 2025 as consumers have more discretionary income to spend
Off to uni shoppers are increasingly prioritising convenience, with more consumers wanting to buy everything at a single retailer and wanting to buy sets e.g. a kitchen set with all kitchenware items for a single price.
Reasons to Buy
Use our in-depth consumer insight to learn which off to university categories are shopped the most by consumers and ensure that product offerings are catering to the needs and wants of customers.
Understand what drives consumers to use a retailer for their purchases, such as convenience, value for money and delivery options in order to maximise sales potential.
Use our in-depth analysis to understand which retailers are leading in certain off to university categories.
Amazon
Apple
Argos
ASDA
B&M
Blackwells
Boots
Currys
Daunt Books
Dunelm
GAME
H&M
HMV
Home Bargains
IKEA
JD Sports
John Lewis & Partners
Lidl
Marks & Spencer
Marks Electricals
Morrisons
Next
Poundland
Primark
Ryman
Sainsbury's
Shein
Superdrug
Temu
Tesco
The Works
TK Maxx
Waterstones
WH Smith
Zara
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Figures
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