Homebase top of the online flops, Which?

Homebase.co.uk has emerged as the UK’s worst online shop in annual research by consumer group Which? In its survey of 10,500 members of the public, Brits rated AllBeauty.com as the best, for the second year running. 

Which? asked customers for star ratings between one and five for key areas of interest, including price, range, delivery, returns and ease of use. AllBeauty.com scored 91%. Customers praised its wide range of products and quick delivery, and particularly liked its ‘very competitive prices’. RicherSounds.com, which came second, has made an impressive improvement since 2016 – it’s jumped up from 48th place. “The shoppers we surveyed liked its ‘easy-to-use website’ and ‘great quality’ electrical goods,” says Which?

Respondents praised third-placed AO.com for its returns process, and there were many positive comments about joint-fourth Lakeland.co.uk for its customer service. In joint-sixth place were JohnLewis.com and AppliancesDirect.co.uk. You can see the full list of the 100 best and worst online shops here.

While price is the most important factor for many people when shopping online, reliable delivery and wide choice can make or break an experience. Which? editor, Richard Headland, says: “We can still see a big gap between the top and bottom of the table, with people generally rating the top online shops better for their prices and range of products. Consumers are expected to spend millions online during Black Friday this year, so we encourage shoppers to do their research and pick their deals – and where to buy – with care.”