Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
Research from Barclaycard Payments, which processes nearly £1 in every £3 spent in the UK, shows the online grocery shopping surge is set to continue, with 57% of Brits saying they will continue to buy at least some of their groceries online even after all restrictions end. However, brick-and-mortar supermarkets will remain crucial for 39% people who plan to continue buying all of their groceries in-store.
The research reveals the growth in home deliveries is also here to stay, with more than half of people expecting to receive either the same amount (47%) or more (10%) in the future.
In addition, the click-and-collect boom is set to continue with 90% of those who have been using the service more often since the start of the pandemic will keep this up once all restrictions have been lifted.
The survey also shows that mobile payments are soaring, with 30% of consumers and 55% of 25-34-year olds say they now regularly leave their wallet or purse behind because all they need is their mobile phone.
Barclaycard Payments data shows shopping locally is set to be a lockdown legacy, with 91% of Brits who have been shopping locally throughout the pandemic saying they will keep doing this to support smaller and independent businesses even after all restrictions end.
In addition, the popularity of dine-at-home experiences are set to continue, with 24% of those who have been ordering at-home restaurant kits, will continue doing so even after hospitality venues reopen and 21% will still order at-home alcoholic drinks tasting experiences.
The research shows that small and medium sized retailers are responding to this new landscape, with 29% planning to invest in new equipment and technology in 2021, and 13% viewing technology as the top opportunity for growth over the next year.
Kirsty Morris, managing director at Barclaycard Payments, said: “A year of on-and-off lockdown restrictions have accelerated many retail trends and created some new, unexpected ones. We can’t wait for the pandemic to be over, but in many ways it’ll be here forever through the consumer habits it has helped shape.
“Retailers need to respond to these trends. Now more than ever, Brits expect shopping to be convenient, quick and good value-for-money. For merchants this means investing in e-commerce offerings and payments infrastructures to accommodate more customer-focused shopping experiences.”
