Discoveries from a recent UK shopper survey reveal intriguing patterns in consumer behavior, notably around sustainability and technology adoption.
According to the study conducted by retail technology platform Voyado, a surprising 26% of respondents haven’t made any adjustments for sustainable purchases. Despite widespread discussions on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in retail, only 4% have experienced virtual try-ons, and merely 10% engaged with AI chatbots for product inquiries.
The survey also tackled the ongoing debate of high street versus online shopping. Surprisingly, 34% still prefer the high street for most purchases, emphasizing the continued relevance of physical stores alongside the online shopping boom.
In the realm of emerging preferences, resale/secondhand shopping is gaining momentum, with 19% favoring charity shops and 13% opting for platforms like Vinted or Depop.
Online reviews continue to play a pivotal role, with 25% admitting to abandoning orders due to negative reviews. This underscores the importance of robust customer service, particularly as women (30%) are more likely to be influenced by reviews than men (20%).
Karl Stone, Head of Voyado, UK, highlighted the enduring importance of the high street and the need for retailers to strategically integrate physical and online shopping experiences. He emphasized the critical importance of understanding the right technologies and their seamless integration for an enhanced shopping journey.
Explore the full spectrum of consumer sentiments and technological influences in this comprehensive UK shopper survey.