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Introduction
Retail Insights & Shopper Sentiment for The digital realm has undeniably reshaped the retail landscape,
To address the nuances in shopping behaviours across retail sectors,
with online shopping garnering significant attention. However, our this report also explores six key retail categories, to share further
2024, a proud collaboration between findings reveal that the enduring appeal of in-store shopping
insight into shopper marketing behaviour for each of the following: ¦
Lightspeed and Inside Retail, is a remains a compelling force in the market.
Key Insights
Generational Divide
Gen Y (Millennials) show greater commitment to online shopping
Product Comparison and Tangibility
compared to Gen Z, highlighting the importance of catering to
Product comparison and the opportunity to 'see and touch' items
distinct generational preferences.
remain key drivers of in-store foot traffic, underlining the
importance of creating tactile shopping experiences.
Accuracy Matters
Ensuring accurate in-store stock availability information on your
Price Concerns
website is crucial for customer satisfaction and trust.
Many shoppers are concerned that in-store prices may exceed online
prices, emphasising the need for competitive pricing strategies.
Let’s take a look into actionable insights for your business with a
deeper analysis of shopper behaviour.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 04
Section 1: Section 2:
Section 3:
Section 4: Section
5 :
MESSAGES 5min
Return in-store 01.09 - 07.09
Welcome back!
Here’s 25% off just for you.
Locate store
1 The resilience of in-store 1 Displaying accurate online 1 Unmatched necessity for 1 Price remains a key driver
1 Clothing, footwear,
shopping
stock visibility
tangibility
2 The essence of community and accessories
choices
3 Building in-store trust with
3 Books, toys, and hobbies
4 Dispelling misconceptions
SECTION 1
Leveraging
channel
differences
Find in store
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Leveraging channel differences 06
45%
first research an item online but
Both low-income earners (under $60,000/year household income)
proceed to buy it in a physical store.
and the elderly (aged 60+) are less likely to engage in any form of
online shopping – including purchasing, researching, Click & Collect,
marketplaces, etc. Instead, physical stores maintain consistent
interaction with the vast majority of shoppers within this segment.
17%
frequently shop in-store
Key insight: Low-income earners and the elderly are less likely
and purchase online.
Dispelling misconceptions
Marketplace influence
Contrary to the widely held belief that Gen Z (18-29 year olds) are
In addition to their penchant for online shopping, Gen Y
It's important to acknowledge that for many consumers,
avid online shoppers, it is Gen Y (30-39 year olds) who emerge as
demonstrates an inclination towards marketplace platforms
marketplaces serve as hubs for browsing, inspiration, and price
the most committed e-commerce enthusiasts.
(Amazon, eBay, and Facebook) with nearly double the participation
comparison. Shoppers leverage the accessibility to multiple sellers
rate compared to the average shopper (excluding Gen Z), and
listed on these platforms to discover the best-priced items. Notably,
Gen Y leads the pack in non-essential shopping across all
almost triple that of Gen Z.
online shopping behaviour. Almost twice as many Gen Y shoppers Shopping on marketplaces
(27%) make multiple weekly online purchases compared to Gen Z Nevertheless, most consumers ultimately make purchases from
(14%).
Gen Y: 19%
retailers different to the ones they viewed on marketplaces. This is
Gen Z: 7%
because pricing is just one of several factors (e.g. convenience,
Key insight: Almost twice as many Gen Y (27%) shop
brand trust, reward points) influencing their shopping journey.
27% 19%
Almost twice as many
Nearly three times as many
Gen Y shop online Gen Y shop on marketplaces
14% 7%
compared to Gen Z compared to Gen Z
08
Where do you shop more Average Where do you shop more Average
than once a month Earn <$60,000 per year than a couple of times a 18-29 year olds
76% 41%
77% 27%
80% 37%
Research online and shop in-store Research online and shop in-store
45% 18%
32% 13%
37% 21%
43% 14%
25% 12%
23% 27%
On marketplaces On marketplaces
29% 10%
19% 7%
17% 19%
22% 5%
12% 2%
10% 11%
Try on in-store and buy online Try on in-store and buy online
17% 5%
9% 4%
7% 10%
13% 5%
6% 2%
5% 11%
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 09
MESSAGES 5min
SECTION 2 Welcome back!
Here’s 25% off just for you.
Offering
additional
services
T-Shirt $22.00
In stock:
28 units
Melbourne:
15 units
Sydney: 13 units
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Offering additional services 10
39% of consumers
Undoubtedly, the most coveted service among shoppers, as revealed
39% favour stores with
by our survey, is the ability to check stock availability online before loyalty programs
making their in-store visit. 42% of respondents expressed the
importance of this feature. The resounding message for retailers is
clear: Make your in-store inventory visible online and accurate.
44%
A noteworthy gender disparity emerges within this finding –
females place greater importance on loyalty programs than males.
were females
Females: 44%
Males: 33%
33%
were men
42%
39%
Loyalty programs/points
15%
14%
SECTION 3
Optimising Colour:
the physical
store Return in-store
Locate store
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Optimising the physical store 13
Building upon our earlier finding – 76% of Australians continue Product comparisons to empower in-store decisions
46% of shoppers place immense value on the ability to compare 53% of consumers consider free returns as standard practice for
similar products within a tangible retail setting. However, an issue in-store shopping. Consequently, an inflexible return policy deters 37%
arises as retailers grapple with the challenge of providing seamless, of consumers from shopping in-store. Moreover, gender plays
Unmatched necessity for tangibility
user-friendly mechanisms for customers to conduct side-by-side a notable role in this finding with more females than males
feature and benefit comparisons of alternative products.
of consumers are drawn to physical stores to view products in
crucial for retailers to meet consumer expectations and
real life – including samples and trials.
Key takeaway: Tangibility is the cornerstone of in-store
Key Insight: In-store returns and flexible returns policy
shopping, providing consumers with a unique and
weigh heavily in the purchasing decisions of a substantial
invaluable engagement opportunity.
majority of shoppers.
46%
e
mal
56% of consumers are drawn
53% of consumers consider free of the consumers who consider free
to physical stores to view products
returns as standard practice for
returns as standard practice 59%
in real life. in-store shopping. was female and 46% was male.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Optimising the physical store 14
38%
Over one-third of consumers explicitly identify
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Optimising the physical store 15
2
53%
Key takeaway: Having multiple retail stores and offering in close Avoiding shipping or return costs
proximity play a pivotal role in catering to consumers' desire for
consolidated retail convenience.
46%
The ability to compare similar items in person
Consumer convenience matters, with clear statistics highlighting
key deterrents:
19%
Advice from staff
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Optimising the physical store 16
38%
The ability to search for cheaper deals
37%
Ease of getting to the store
While the 30-39 age group demonstrates a notable inclination
towards online shopping, it is essential to note that the appeal of
experiencing products in person and conducting comparative
assessments of similar items remains compelling for over one in
three individuals within this demographic.
37%
Inflexible return policies
Key takeaway: Despite the digital affinity of Gen Y, the physical
shopping experience and product comparisons continue to hold
considerable sway, making these elements integral to retailers
targeting this age group.
33%
Concern price might be more
28%
In-store atmosphere like inattentive staff and loud environment
20%
Having to interact with people
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 17
MESSAGES 5min
Hello Michael!
Get 50% off at your local shop...
SECTION 4
Encouraging
local
shopping
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Encouraging local shopping 18
34% 25%
Price, or more specifically a special price or deal for locals, remains
a significant factor as indicated by a substantial 34% of consumers
ranking it as the primary motivation for local shopping.
Key takeaway: Local or not, it’s clear that price is a key driver in
today’s competitive retail landscape.
25% 24%
Shared values with local businesses (24%): Consumers value
businesses that align with their beliefs and actively contribute to
the local community.
Key takeaway: These findings underscore the multifaceted nature
Unique and locally-made
Shared values with
of local shopping preferences, highlighting the importance of products local businesses
fostering a sense of community and offering unique, locally
tailored products alongside competitive pricing strategies.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 19
SECTION 5
Retail
categories
deep-dive 01.09 - 07.09
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 20
in this section explore outlets or online marketplaces. purchases across these diverse retail sectors.
Key Insight #1
62% of purchases are made in-store – 48% in physical stores,
plus 14% researched online and bought in store.
Key Takeaway:
Optimise your in-store experience to provide more
opportunities to engage with products (view, touch, try), and
facilitate product comparisons to empower in-store decisions.
footwear,
48% of consumers spend more than $100/month.
Key Takeaway:
and
Secure the loyalty of frequent shoppers through enticing
deals and loyalty programs that cultivate a sense of
appreciation and dedication.
Key Takeaway:
If price matching isn't feasible, strategically shift your focus
away from mainstream products. Instead, explore alternative
selling factors such as exclusive brands, locally-sourced
products and eco-friendly offerings.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 22
53%
38%
29% 30%
18%
14% 15%
4%
2% On social media
Key Insight #1
64% of purchases are made in-store – 46% in physical stores,
plus 18% researched online and bought in store.
Key Takeaway:
Optimise your in-store experience to make product comparisons
and product insights seamless. Highlight in-store promotions on
Sporting
your website or e-commerce platform to encourage consumers
researching online to visit your physical store.
equipment
Key Insight #2
86% of consumers shop less than once a month. And, 53%
of consumers shop as and when they need the product –
indicating that attributes like discounts and clearance sales
and outdoor
are less of a purchasing factor.
Key Takeaway:
goods
Maintain a substantial brand presence to ensure that you are always
in the consideration set when the consumer is ready to shop.
Key Insight #3
Brand-related attributes impact 30% of purchase decisions
– 15% brand reputation, plus 15% authentic products.
Key Takeaway:
Leverage content and other strategic mechanisms to align
your brand’s core values with your key product lines.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 25
86%
35%
27%
23%
15%
10%
3%
1%
2% On social media
Key Insight #1
46% of purchases are made online.
Key Takeaway:
Invest in an e-commerce platform that facilitates
product discovery by allowing consumers to explore
categories, research, read reviews, and compare prices
within the same platform.
Books, toys,
Key Insight #2
67% of consumers shop less than once a month.
And, 59% of consumers are discount-hunting.
Key Insight #3
20% of consumers are likely to purchase more if the
product is recommended.
Key Takeaway:
Employ referral programs and incentivise discounts to
actively encourage customer recommendations to build
an organic network of brand advocates.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 28
67%
44%
32%
21%
17%
10%
6%
3%
2% On social media
Key Insight #1
70% of of purchases are made in-store – 55% in physical
stores, plus 15% researched online and bought in store.
Key Takeaway:
Optimise in-store layouts and signage for greater product
Homewares,
discoverability and train staff to offer expert advice.
Key Insight #2
gifts,
70% of consumers spend more than $50 a month, on average.
Key Takeaway:
and garden Consider a loyalty program with exclusive perks and personalised
offers to incentivise customers spending over $50 a month to
foster a deeper sense of commitment and engagement.
Key Takeaway:
Offer limited-time, exclusive discounts to create a sense
of urgency and entice bargain-seeking customers to
make purchases quickly.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 31
65%
41%
30%
24%
21%
9% 8%
2%
2% On social media
Key Insight #1
61% of consumers shop at least once a month.
Key Takeaway:
Consider implementing a subscription-based model or
loyalty program offering reminders and exclusive deals
on re-stocking supplements.
supplements
to emphasise product benefits and provide expert guidance to
aid informed purchase decisions.
Key Insight #3
42% of consumers are looking for indicators of
‘product quality’ – 21% authentic products, plus
21% brand reputation.
Key Takeaway:
Mitigate the risk of brand reputation damage by maintaining
a commitment to exclusively stock reputable products
and swiftly address any product issues that may arise.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 34
43%
40% 39%
37%
16% 16%
5% 4%
2% On social media
Key Insight #1
70% of purchases are made in-store – 63% in physical
stores, plus 7% researched online and bought in store.
Key Takeaway:
Optimise your in-store experience to make product
comparisons and product insights seamless, and train
staff to offer expert advice.
Key Insight #2
Pet food
Consumers equally prioritise pricing and product quality –
with 33% of consumers purchasing based on pricing, while
another 33% of consumers purchasing based on the quality
of the product (14% brand reputation + 13% authentic products
+ 6% ethical products).
Key Insight #3
73% of purchases are need-driven – with attributes such
as impulse buying playing a smaller role.
Key Takeaway:
Prioritise educational content – over sales events &
discounts – to emphasise product benefits and provide
expert guidance to aid informed purchase decisions.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 37
47%
38% 37%
22%
16% 17%
15%
8%
2% On social media
Methodological notes
The consumer survey was conducted online between 25th and
27th of July 2023 and comprised 758 interviews. The sample was drawn
from a nationally representative pool of Australian adults 18 years of age
and older. Post-interviewing, the age, gender, and location characteristics
of the sample were validated against the parameters of the Australian
population as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
About Lightspeed
Lightspeed is the unified POS and payments platform powering the
world's best businesses in over 100 countries. With timesaving tools and
integrations, performance-boosting insights and personalised expert
support, Lightspeed helps ambitious retail and hospitality entrepreneurs
focus on what matters so they can keep staff happy, provide the best
customer experience and become the go-to destination in their space.
Learn more
References
{ Lightspeed Survey 202
q{ https://scca.org.au/industry-information/key-facts/
Shared by Vietnam Market Report & Marketing Research by CTO Vietnam Network