UK shopping habits forever changed shows report

The shopping habits of UK consumers have been permanently altered by the coronavirus lockdown according to research from ecommerce provider PFS.

The survey found that three in five (60%) consumers had purchased more goods since the lockdown began, than they did before, with 53% having shopped more online. 77% of these said they would continue to purchase online more once the lockdown is over. 39% of respondents also reported that they had been encouraged to purchase products online that they had not considered before, such as pet food and footwear, which increased to 61% for Generation Z and over half (52%) of Millennials. Conversely, 50% of shoppers reported unsatisfactory online shopping experiences resulting in them being left disappointed at not being able to get something they wanted delivered. This rose to 75% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennials. When it comes to non-essential items, a quarter (26%) said that their purchasing of clothing online had decreased, whilst 18% had bought fewer cosmetics and luxury goods online since the lockdown. Purchasing of technology had also decreased for 19% of all respondents. When asked about their perceptions of brands’ responses to the pandemic, 52% of all consumers agreed that they felt greater loyalty towards brands that effectively communicated with them and demonstrated responsibility during this time. Another statistic worth noting, is that over half (54%) of UK online shoppers reported they would be less likely to spend money with brands and retailers in the future that have treated their staff poorly during the coronavirus.