As e-commerce continues to expand globally and digital platforms transform the way people shop, it is interesting to take a closer look at how consumers in Saudi Arabia shop online, as the country's digital economy rapidly grows.

According to our recent survey, nearly everyone in the Kingdom aged 16 and above has embraced online shopping, with 92% of consumers reporting they have made an online purchase in the past six months.

For many Saudi residents, convenience is the driving force behind this shift. The ability to shop at any time, from anywhere, makes online shopping an easy choice.

Budget-consciousness also significantly influences online shopping behavior in Saudi Arabia.

• According to our survey, 66% of respondents believe online prices are more competitive.
• Additionally, 56% value the ease of comparing prices across different platforms, and 54% prefer online shopping to avoid long queues.
• Other key appeals include the wide range of products available online (49%) and the one-stop shopping experience, where consumers can find everything they need on a single platform (44%).

When it comes to where they shop, online marketplaces like Amazon and Noon are clear favorites, with 87% of consumers turning to these platforms. Department store websites, such as Jarir, also see strong traffic, attracting 63% of shoppers. 52% of consumers make purchases directly from brand websites, and 44% opt for grocery delivery services like Carrefour and Spinneys.

Price-consciousness reappears when selecting a shopping platform. Discounts and competitive prices are the top considerations, with 59% of shoppers saying they look for these deals first. Shipping fees and delivery speed also weigh heavily, with half of the respondents (50%) factoring both into their decision. Some 38% of online shoppers also seek diverse payment options and product reviews to guide their choices.

While word of mouth remains a primary source of information among Saudi residents (67%), online channels have become the leading way to discover new products and brands. A striking 8 out of 10 people (78%) rely on the internet for this. They browse social media, read product reviews, and follow influencer recommendations to stay informed about the latest trends, products and brands.

For most Saudi residents, online shopping is a planned activity. Over half of the survey participants (51%) say they plan their purchases ahead of time, while 42% admit to a mix of planning and impulse buys. Deals, however, can push even the most disciplined shopper into impulsivity, with 39% admitting they’re likely to buy on a whim when a good deal catches their eye. For those who plan, sales offer significant opportunities to save. Almost half (45%) wait for discounts on items they’ve been planning to buy, and 37% focus on purchasing high-cost products during sales to make the most of their budgets.

Price sensitivity clearly shapes much of the online shopping behavior in Saudi Arabia. Many consumers—especially Gen Z—actively seek out sales, with 51% of all shoppers saying they make most of their purchases during these periods. However, many are still willing to pay full price when needed, especially if it means getting the right product at the right time.

Despite the e-commerce boom, many Saudi residents still favor in-store shopping for certain items.

• High-value products like jewelry (45%) or fresh groceries (34%) are often bought in person.
• Shoppers also prefer to visit physical stores when they need expert guidance, such as with pharmaceuticals (34%) or home appliances (28%).

Certain categories, however, see a blend of online and physical shopping. Clothing (72%), shoes (66%), beauty and personal care products (64%), and accessories (62%) are often bought both online and in-store, with consumers opting for the most convenient method based on their needs at the time.

Even with a strong focus on price, Saudi consumers appear confident about their spending patterns, with most expecting their habits to remain consistent across product categories. Some anticipate increasing their purchases of clothing (42%), groceries (39%), and beauty and personal care products (37%). However, others expect to reduce spending on more expensive items, such as jewelry (19%), branded goods (17%), and electronics (17%).

Saudi Arabia’s growing digital economy paints a picture of shoppers who value convenience, competitive pricing, and flexibility in their shopping experience. Whether planning ahead or seizing a last-minute deal, these consumers navigate a retail landscape that is constantly evolving, blending the best of both online and in-store worlds.