If it were up to Aussie consumers, they would choose to in-store shop for the next year.
The research provided by Bazaarvoice, Inc., released its annual Shopper Experience Index that says 64% of shoppers selected in-store shopping as their method of choice.
When it comes to online shopping and product research, Aussies are heavily influenced by user generated content (UGC).
Out of eight countries surveyed, Australia is tied with Spain for the least likely to buy a product without UGC on the product page.
“Australians are uniquely positioned to shop in-store, as the ability to do so is largely impacted by the relatively low prevalence of Covid-19 compared with some other countries surveyed,” says Bazaarvoice APAC MD, Kate Musgrove.
“In saying this, our insights revealed UGC is hugely important for Australian shoppers, as viewing UGC online via prior research of products ultimately influences the purchasing decisions of people whilst in store.
“To accommodate this, retailers should have an omnichannel approach so that their consumers can meet them where they want, when they want, which is aligned with the global findings.”
Other key insights include:
- Social commerce has gone mainstream. One in three shoppers made a purchase on social media in the past year.
- While digital shopping isn’t replacing brick-and-mortar, it is surpassing it. However, most shoppers want a mix. It is a necessity for retailers to provide an online option. This is reflected in in our client Network of over 11,500 brands and retailers, where online ordering was up 39% year-over-year in 2020 globally.
- Product sampling is helping to replace the in-store experience. Over half (52%) of shoppers say what they value most about an in-store shopping experience is the ability to touch, see, and try on products.
- Private labels are becoming preferred by shoppers. In the past year, 53% of shoppers have made a private label purchase.
“Covid-19 has not only drastically changed consumers’ shopping habits but accelerated the trends already in motion before it began,” says CEO at Bazaarvoice, Keith Nealon.
“No matter what channel consumers shop through, brands need to bring the in-store experience to the shopper’s front door and leave them with the confidence to make the right purchase decision.”
Click here to view the Shopper Experience Index.