Two-thirds (65%) of Australians say they will shop more online than in-store during the next 12 months, according to new research commissioned by parcel pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) network Hubbed.
The findings reveal that, in the next 12 months, 34% of consumers would shop more online than they did during their state shutdown and a further 31% would shop more online than they did before their state shutdown.
The younger the shopper, the more likely they will make the shift from shopping in-store with 45% of 18-50-year-olds saying they shop more online than in-store now than during the shutdowns, compared with just 19% of over-50s.
Hubbed found that a higher proportion of Victorians (41%) would spend more online in the next year than during the shutdowns. This compares with an equal 33% of NSW and SA residents, 31% of Queenslanders, and just a quarter (25%) of West Australians.
Hubbed CEO and founder David McLean said the survey results suggest that growth in online shopping, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19, is here to stay.
“The constraints that have been placed on online retailers have highlighted the need for them to be more proactive and agile in streamlining the consumer’s online shopping experience via technology and alternative delivery options. It is also evident that customers want more delivery choices, which will, in turn, support the growth in eCommerce. Retailers should seriously consider their customer delivery choices, such as supporting the use of Click & Collect.”
Hubbed enables retailers to offer consumers flexible, alternative delivery options. For example, customer parcels can be dropped off to a centralised local retail outlet, such as a BP service station or 7-Eleven store, which allows for secure parking, after-hours access and no queues.
This article was first published on retailbiz.com.au.