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2024 Retail Insights


and Shopper Sentiment


A deep-dive into consumer behaviour
& the evolution of in-store shopping
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 02

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.

² Clothing, footwear, and accessorie


comprehensive report that delves into With this report, you’ll be able to: ˆ Sporting equipment and outdoor good
the minds and behaviours of your Identify your customer base – age, gender, income bracket

´ Books, toys, and hobbie


 Homewares, gifts, and garden supplie
customers – shedding light on their Discern shopping behaviour & preferences – specific 
 Š Healthcare and supplement
shopping preferences, habits, and expectations, desires, and the overall shopping process 
„ Pet food and supplies

expectations. Understand decision-making factors – what influences 
 Retail Insights & Shopper Sentiment for 2024 is an analysis of
their choices?
responses collected from 758 randomly selected Australian 

Discover conditions for increased sales – what encourages 
 adults in July 2023.
more purchases and return visits?
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 01

Key Insights

In the age of unified commerce, it’s increasingly evident that


harnessing the dynamics of both online and in-store shopping is 

key to retail success. In fact, a recurring theme within the insights
reveals that the appeal of in-store shopping is not diminishing; 

instead, it is undeniably evolving. 

From generational divide to pricing concerns, below are some of the


key findings on customer behaviours and preferences.

In-store Shopping Evolution
 Marketplace Appeal



In-store shopping is evolving, with customers often researching 
 Both Gen Y and Gen Z are frequent marketplace shoppers,
online before making their purchases in physical stores.
emphasising the need to integrate marketplace offerings into 

your retail strategy.

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.

Reaching Diverse Audiences 



Low-income earners and older individuals are less engaged with 
 Unified Shopping Experience To Remain Competitive 

online shopping, making in-store shopping a valuable channel to 
 Local stores must be competitive across various aspects of the
reach these demographics. shopping experience and not solely rely on convenience to attract 

foot traffic.

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 :

Leveraging channel Offering additional Optimising the


Encouraging local Retail categories

differences services physical store shopping deep-dive

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

2 The online shopping spectrum 


2 Significance of loyalty 
 2 Product comparisons to 2 Sporting equipment, and 

3 Age & income dynamics
programs in consumer empower in-store decisions
outdoor goods

choices
3 Building in-store trust with 
 3 Books, toys, and hobbies

4 Dispelling misconceptions 

3 Emphasising other services return policies


4 Homewares, gifts, and 

5 Marketplace influence

4 Price perception – strategies garden supplies

6 Marketplaces as 
 for competitive pricing

consumer hubs 5 Healthcare and supplements

5 Convenience of multiple shops 


6 Pet food and supplies

6 Navigating in-store hassles

7 Bridging the digital gap with 



Gen Y shoppers
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 05

SECTION 1

Leveraging 

channel 

differences
Find in store
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Leveraging channel differences 06

In this section, we align particular demographic segments with distinct


shopping channels & behaviours, examine the functions 

of these channels when shopping, and share key takeaways on how 

to leverage different channels. 

*Please note that ‘shop/shopping’ refers to the act of shopping 



76% of consumers shop in physical
i.e. browsing, researching, and making actual purchases

76% stores at least once a month.


The resilience of in-store shopping

While online shopping has undeniably reshaped the retail landscape,


physical stores remain popular. Across every demographic – age,
gender, income and location – the majority of Australians still 

continue to favour the tactile and visual experience (to touch and 

see the items) of in-store shopping.

Key insight: 76% of consumers shop in physical stores at 



least once a month.

45% of consumers research a product


The online shopping spectrum 

45% online and purchase in-store.


The findings around online shopping are a bit more complex as
consumers do a lot more than just purchase products online. More
than once a month, on average, 45% of shoppers first research an item
online but proceed to buy it in a physical store. In contrast, only 17%
frequently do the opposite i.e. shop in-store and purchase online.

Key insight: Close to half (45%) of consumers research a 



product online and purchase in-store.

Age & income dynamics 

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.

to engage in any form of regular online shopping.


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Leveraging channel differences 07

Dispelling misconceptions

Marketplace influence

Marketplaces as consumer hubs

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.

38% of surveyed consumers are deterred from in-store shopping 



channels, with the most noticeable distinction evident in their 
 due to the ability to find cheaper products online. 

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.

online compared to Gen Z (14%). Others (all remaining respondents): 10%


Key takeaway: If your target audience is Gen Y, frequent
Key insight: Nearly three times as many Gen Y (19%) shop 
 purchasers, be mindful of their heightened awareness of the
on marketplaces when compared to Gen X (7%). competitive landscape. Provide compelling reasons for them 

to choose your store, beyond competitive pricing.

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

Aged 60+ 30-39 year olds


for non-essentials? week for non-essentials?

In physical stores In physical stores

76% 41%

77% 27%

80% 37%

Research online and shop in-store Research online and shop in-store

45% 18%

32% 13%

37% 21%

From an online retailer From an online retailer

43% 14%

25% 12%

23% 27%

On marketplaces On marketplaces

29% 10%

19% 7%

17% 19%

Online and click-and-collect Online and click-and-collect

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%

On social media On social media

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

Retailers are increasingly offering a range of valuable services 



to customers. Here, we look at the types of services that hold
significance for consumers, shedding light on their preferences 

and priorities.

Displaying accurate online stock visibility

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.

Key insight: Over 2 in 5 shoppers highly value the convenience of


checking online for stock availability before their in-store visits.

Significance of loyalty programs in consumer choices 

Loyalty programs emerges as the second most highly regarded service,


with 39% of shoppers deeming it a critical factor in their shopping And out of those
decisions. 

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

Key insight: Loyalty programs outweigh other services, including 



gift cards and convenience services like Click & Collect and repairs
and alterations, in terms of consumer value.

2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Offering additional services 11

What’s very important or critical to 


you when shopping?

42%

Ability to check in-store stock availability online

Emphasising other services

39%

Loyalty programs/points

Another interesting discovery is that 14% of

shoppers value services such as repairs, 


alterations, personalisation, and more. 


Additionally, 15% of respondents appreciate 


layby/buy-now-pay-later options, while 21% are 21%

drawn to gift cards and various gift choices.

Gift cards or gift options

Key insight: These statistics underscore the

significance of tailoring retail strategies to meet

diverse consumer preferences and expectations

based on retail offerings and categories. 19%

Click and collect

15%

Layby/Buy Now Pay Later options

14%

Repairs, alterations, personalisation or other services


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment 12

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

Building in-store trust with return policies 

to favour in-store shopping – we explore the factors that draw 



consumers to physical stores and those that deter them.

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.

emphasising the importance of in-store return policies.


Within the sphere of physical shopping, the ability to interact with
products in the real world stands as the ultimate attraction. 56% 
 Key takeaway: Facilitating effortless product comparisons is 
 Females: 59% 

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.

enhance their in-store experience.


Males: 46%

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.

56% 53% 59%


female

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

Price perception – strategies for competitive pricing

Price sensitivity remains a pivotal factor for in-store shopping. 


Over one-third of consumers explicitly identify pricing as a 


deterrent for in-store shopping

38% of consumers are discouraged by the inability to search 


for cheaper deals in physical stores

33% express concern that in-store pricing may be higher 


compared to online shopping

Key Insight: To retain and attract in-store shoppers, 


it's important for retailers to address these concerns by 


implementing transparent pricing strategies and, when feasible,

offering price guarantees.

38%
Over one-third of consumers explicitly identify 


pricing as a deterrent for in-store shopping

2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Optimising the physical store 15

What’s very important or critical to you when


shopping in physical stores?
Convenience of multiple shops 

Australia boasts a remarkable 46% share of shopping centres 56%


(including Homemaker, Themed and Factory Outlet centres). This Ability to see products in real life (plus samples/trials)
statistic underscores the significance of such establishments, aligning
with the finding that 39% of shoppers prioritise the convenience of
accessing multiple stores within a single, cohesive location during their
physical shopping experiences.

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.

Navigating in-store hassles

46%
The ability to compare similar items in person
Consumer convenience matters, with clear statistics highlighting 

key deterrents:

37% of shoppers are discouraged by the hassle of reaching 
 39%


physical stores
Convenience of having multiple shops together
28% of consumers cite in-store atmosphere issues, including
inattentive staff and loud music, as reasons to avoid physical stores

Key Insight: Prioritising convenience is critical. Retailers must 21%


address location-related concerns and consistently enhance the in- Inspiration from displays
store customer experience to meet evolving shopper expectations.

19%
Advice from staff
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Optimising the physical store 16

What’s very likely or certain to discourage you


from shopping in physical stores?

38%
The ability to search for cheaper deals

Bridging the digital gap with Gen Y shoppers

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

Amidst the Covid lockdowns, consumers rekindled their connection 



with local shops, giving rise to a renewed appreciation for local
shopping. In this context, we look at insights that shed light on 

local retail – focusing on price considerations and the importance 

of community engagement.

Price remains a key driver

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. 

Access to special 
 Personalised

deals for locals customer service


The essence of community

While price is crucial, the concept of community engagement stands as


a compelling attraction in the space of local retail. Consumers
emphasised the importance of various community-centric elements:

Personalised customer service (25%): Shoppers seek a 



personalised and attentive shopping experience that goes 

beyond generic interactions.

Unique & locally-made products (25%): The draw of one-of-a-kind, 



locally sourced items resonates strongly with customers.

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

Shopping frequency Spending habits


of consumers engaging in retail activities and diverse spending patterns within these
across these diverse categories, shedding categories, ranging from budget-conscious
light on the spectrum from regular customers consumers to those willing to splurge.
to occasional shoppers.
In this section, we explore
six distinct retail categories,
providing insights into
consumer shopping
Preferred shopping locations Encouraging more purchases
behaviours across various
where consumers prefer to shop for each 
 the strategies and trends that are most likely 

sectors. The data points 
 category, whether it's in-store at physical to motivate consumers to make additional

in this section explore 
 outlets or online marketplaces. purchases across these diverse retail sectors.

everything from shopping


frequency to what
encourages more purchases.
Shopping occasions Decision criteria
that are driving consumers to make and the factors that influence consumers' 

purchases in these categories, from 
 choices, including product quality, 

special events to specific needs. brand loyalty, and price sensitivity.
2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 21

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.

Clothing, Key Insight #2

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.

accessories Key Insight #3


50% of shopping is done chasing discounts. However, product
quality should also be a consideration with 32% of consumers
indicating brand reputation (17%) and authentic products (15%)
as deciding criteria.

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%

Frequency of shopping Monthly spend


Every week or more <$50

A couple of times a month $50-$99

Around once a month $100-$199

Less than once a month $200+


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 23

Usual shopping channel


Key decision criteria
48% In physical stores
51% Great prices
19% From an online retailer
17% Brand reputation
14% Research online and shop in-store
15% Authentic products
9% From a brand website
7% Returns policy
6% Online and click-and-collect
5% Ethical products
2% On a second-hand marketplace

2% On social media

Preferred shopping occasion Most likely to encourage upselling

43% When you need it 27% Exclusive brands/products

19% Discounts or promotions 13% Products recommended by friends or family

17% Seasonal or clearance sales 10% Local brands

14% Sales events 10% Eco-friendly/sustainable products

7% For special events or occasions 5% Influencer endorsed products


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 24

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%

Frequency of shopping Monthly spend


Every week or more <$50

A couple of times a month $50-$99

Around once a month $100-$199

Less than once a month $200+


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 26

Usual shopping channel


Key decision criteria
46% In physical stores
44% Great prices
17% From an online retailer
15% Brand reputation
18% Research online and shop in-store
15% Authentic products
8% From a brand website
4% Returns policy
5% Online and click-and-collect
3% Ethical products
5% On a second-hand marketplace

2% On social media

Preferred shopping occasion Most likely to encourage upselling

53% When you need it 17% Exclusive brands/products

17% Discounts or promotions 15% Products recommended by friends or family

12% Seasonal or clearance sales 9% Eco-friendly/sustainable products

12% Sales events 6% Local brands

7% For special events or occasions 4% Influencer endorsed products


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 27

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.

and hobbies Key Takeaway:


Implementing recurring sales events can be a powerful strategy 

to boost foot traffic and purchases in physical stores and online.

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%

Frequency of shopping Monthly spend


Every week or more <$50

A couple of times a month $50-$99

Around once a month $100-$199

Less than once a month $200+


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 29

Usual shopping channel


Key decision criteria
41% In physical stores
52% Great prices
26% From an online retailer
13% Authentic products
12% Research online and shop in-store
10% Brand reputation
6% From a brand website
5% Returns policy
6% Online and click-and-collect
5% Ethical products
6% On a second-hand marketplace

2% On social media

Preferred shopping occasion Most likely to encourage upselling

41% When you need it 20% Products recommended by friends or family

20% Discounts or promotions 15% Exclusive brands/products

16% For special events or occasions 10% Local brands

12% Sales events 9% Eco-friendly/sustainable products

11% Seasonal or clearance sales 5% Influencer endorsed products


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 30

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.

supplies Key Insight #3


65% of consumers shop less than once a month. 

And, 44% of consumers are discount-hunting.

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%

Frequency of shopping Monthly spend


Every week or more <$50

A couple of times a month $50-$99

Around once a month $100-$199

Less than once a month $200+


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 32

Usual shopping channel


Key decision criteria
55% In physical stores
55% Great prices
15% Research online and shop in-store
15% Authentic products
13% From an online retailer
11% Brand reputation
6% From a brand website
5% Returns policy
6% Online and click-and-collect
5% Ethical products
3% On a second-hand marketplace

2% On social media

Preferred shopping occasion Most likely to encourage upselling

45% When you need it 16% Exclusive brands/products

17% Discounts or promotions 16% Products recommended by friends or family

14% Seasonal or clearance sales 15% Local brands

13% Sales events 13% Eco-friendly/sustainable products

11% For special events or occasions 4% Influencer endorsed products


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 33

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.

Healthcare Key Insight #2


68% of purchases are need-driven – with attributes such 

as impulse buying playing a smaller role.

and Key Takeaway:


Prioritise educational content, over sales events & discounts, 


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%

Frequency of shopping Monthly spend


Every week or more <$50

A couple of times a month $50-$99

Around once a month $100-$199

Less than once a month $200+


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 35

Usual shopping channel


Key decision criteria
57% In physical stores
41% Great prices
14% Research online and shop in-store
21% Brand reputation
13% From an online retailer
21% Authentic products
6% From a brand website
7% Ethical products
6% Online and click-and-collect
2% Returns policy
2% On a second-hand marketplace

2% On social media

Preferred shopping occasion Most likely to encourage upselling

68% When you need it 20% Products recommended by friends or family

16% Discounts or promotions 18% Exclusive brands/products

9% Sales events 11% Eco-friendly/sustainable products

5% Seasonal or clearance sales 9% Local brands

2% For special events or occasions 5% Influencer endorsed products


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 36

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).

and supplies Key Takeaway:


Balance pricing and product quality to cater to both 

value-conscious and quality-focused customers – ensuring 

a well-rounded product offering.

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%

Frequency of shopping Monthly spend


Every week or more <$50

A couple of times a month $50-$99

Around once a month $100-$199

Less than once a month $200+


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper Sentiment - Retail categories deep-dive 38

Usual shopping channel


Key decision criteria
63% In physical stores
33% Great prices
13% From an online retailer
14% Brand reputation
7% Research online and shop in-store
13% Authentic products
7% Online and click-and-collect
6% Ethical products
6% From a brand website
2% Returns policy
3% On a second-hand marketplace

2% On social media

Preferred shopping occasion Most likely to encourage upselling

73% When you need it 11% Products recommended by friends or family

13% Discounts or promotions 11% Eco-friendly/sustainable products

7% Sales events 10% Exclusive brands/products

4% Seasonal or clearance sales 8% Local products

2% For special events or occasions 3% Influencer endorsed products


2024 Retail Insights and Shopper SentimenT 39

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
ƒ{ Lightspeed Survey 202ˆ
q{ https://scca.org.au/industry-information/key-facts/
Shared by Vietnam Market Report & Marketing Research by CTO Vietnam Network

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