Is Barking, England the Next Big Spot for E-Commerce Growth?

Barking is a quiet riverside town in East London, England. It is located 9.3 miles or 15 km east of Charing Cross within the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. It's called Barking because it came from Old English Berecingas which means either 'the settlement of the followers,' or 'descendants of a man called Bereca.'

Anyway, you might be curious about why Barking is currently an affluent area. Property prices have been going around £363,000 in 2025 which means it's a lot lower than other London boroughs. This makes it a great spot to start an e-commerce business.

If you've ever been curious as to why Barking, England is perfect for e-commerce then this guide is for you. We will walk you through some key statistics and you'll understand why or how you can tap into its diverse markets.

Why Barking, England?

So let’s take a look at some reasons why Barking and Dagenham is so good to start an e-commerce store. In this borough in London, there are many local indicators that show how people value a high-quality life, and they do make the most out of their lifestyles. Education, economy, and health are top priorities.

When you compare it with the rest of the UK across a variety of measures, The general consensus is that people have general health and caring responsibilities.

There are many people who are looking for employment in the tech centres, in the tech sectors, and they are very active. Barking and Dagenham also saw the largest annual crime reduction in England, according to the Barking and Dagenham Council.

There’s research that shows that it’s one of the safest neighbourhoods to live in. There are many people who are looking for employment in the tech centres, in the tech sectors, and they are very active. Also, initiatives like the Youth at Risk Matrix and community events like knife-crime awareness football tournaments can help engage young people and promote safer choices when it comes to tackling issues such as antisocial behaviours, violence against women and girls, and youth violence.

The East London Council has also recently launched the UK’s first purpose-built shower for the homeless. Barking Riverside has secured government backing for more homes as well.

Homes England has approved a £124 million funding package for vital infrastructure to support 20,000-home development projects in East London.

So what does that mean for e-commerce entrepreneurs?

Well, entrepreneurs can enhance green spaces, provide family home furnishings and equipment, and there’s a lot of opportunities for selling retail products as well.

Since the employment scene is active, you can sell tech accessories, office gadgets, and

Barking, England, will be needing a lot of home renovation equipment as well. Barking Riverside will soon be served by seven new schools. Five have already been completed, and there are currently two primary schools, with a secondary school and a special educational needs school. 

School-going students and children will definitely be needing office supplies, school equipment, pencil boxes, lunch trays, and even clothing. You can promote sustainable fashion goods and acquire new customers through these different age groups and audiences. If you run a Barking England e-commerce store, you can even start dropshipping books. 

Spocket’s print-on-demand customization can help you craft unique cover designs. You can make workbooks and ship them to prospective clients across the nation.

Is Barking the Next Big Spot for E-commerce Growth?

The Elizabeth line extension, which began full service in mid-2025, slashes travel times to key commercial hubs and Heathrow Airport. You can tap into Barking’s rail and river links for rapid order fulfillment across Greater London and the Southeast.

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham now houses around 218,500 residents, up by nearly 17.7% since 2011. With a density of over 15,600 people per square mile, the local market boasts high footfall in retail corridors like Barking Town Centre. You can tap into a vibrant mix of young families, professionals, and students—10,500 of whom are enrolled in local schools and higher education.

Average house prices in Barking and Dagenham stood at £361,000 in July 2025, reflecting a 7.7% rise from 2024 but remaining well below the London average of £562,000. This relative affordability extends to commercial rents and co-working spaces, reducing overheads for small e-tailers. You will find more cost-effective warehousing and last-mile facilities compared to inner boroughs.

Britain’s e-commerce audience topped 50 million shoppers in 2024, crossing the three-quarter penetration mark of the 68.6 million total population. National online retail revenue is forecast to hit USD 265.14 billion in 2025, growing at a 22.73% CAGR toward 2030. You can ride this wave by positioning a Barking England E-Commerce brand to serve both local and national demand with quick, reliable delivery.

How to Market for Barking England E-Commerce Stores

Barking and Dagenham report a 5.2% unemployment rate, slightly above the national average, yet benefit from a growing pool of NVQ4-qualified residents (36.8%). You can hire skilled digital marketers, web developers, and logistics coordinators without the London salary premium. Emerging tech hubs in East London attract graduates eager to join e-commerce start-ups.

Gourmet foods, artisanal condiments, teas and coffees, and packaged treats can attract Barking buyers looking for unique gift hampers. Barking residents enjoy the riverside and parks, so outdoor activity gear like fishing tackle, cycling accessories, picnic supplies, and gardening tools will do well. You can also offer print-on-demand goods like custom mugs, T-shirts, notebooks, and art prints.

Local Facebook community groups, Instagram location tags, and targeted Google Local Services Ads offer cost-effective ways to reach Barking shoppers. You should craft SEO-rich content to capture nearby consumers searching online for local delivery options. Collaborating  with influencers in East London can boost your brand visibility.

Conclusion

Barking, England combines excellent links to central London with a welcoming local community that’s eager for new online services. You can reach customers quickly via the Elizabeth line, Overground, and river routes, while affordable workspace and support programs make setting up smoother. The riverside setting and ongoing housing developments bring fresh shoppers and energy, and local workshops help sharpen digital skills. If you’re ready to launch or grow online, Barking offers the right mix of access, opportunity, and encouragement.