STUDY: Nearly Half of Millennials Receive 1-2 Amazon Packages Per Week
Walker Sands' sixth annual "Future of Retail" report reveals how convenience and connection fuel the new era of commerce
CHICAGO, June 26, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The use of technology in the retail experience has driven consumers of all ages to expect a convenient experience that seamlessly aligns with their everyday life. In fact, one in five (21%) consumers say they don't care who they're buying from – they just care about price and convenience, and 43 percent of consumers ages 18-25 report receiving at least one Amazon package per week. At the same time, one of the few drivers of loyalty in a purchase decision is a connection with the brand, with one in four consumers (25%) saying they feel more connected with brands when they go in store. Walker Sands' Future of Retail 2019 report, released today, reveals a paradox between convenience and connection in today's commerce landscape.
To further understand the factors that are shaping commerce today, Walker Sands, an integrated PR and digital marketing agency for B2B technology and professional services companies, surveyed 1,600 U.S. consumers about their shopping habits, preferences and views on emerging retail technology for its sixth annual report. Findings from the study provide retailers and commerce leaders a lens to better understand the impact of technology on shifting consumer preferences.
Key takeaways from this year's report include:
- Consumers have grown comfortable shopping online and are placing bigger bets on the convenience it provides. Forty-six percent of consumers say they are more open to purchasing a big-ticket item like a car or a grill online than they were a year ago.
- Amazon continues to dominate convenient experiences - and younger customers are taking advantage of it. A third of consumers (32%) now receive one or more Amazon packages per week, and one in 10 (10%) consumers receive three or more Amazon packages per week. Forty-three percent of millennials ages 18-35 report receiving one or more packages per week.
- Despite the rise in online shopping, the "Marie Kondo Effect" is driving consumers to adopt a 'less is more' mentality. Sixty-six percent of consumers say they are buying less than they used to because they are more conscious of keeping a clean, organized lifestyle. Consumers ages 18-35 are even more likely to say they are buying less (72%).
- Brick-and-mortar is an opportunity for brands to create a connection with consumers. Free and fast shipping continue to be the number one drivers of more online purchases for the sixth year in a row, but a fourth of consumers (25%) feel more connected with brands when they go in store.
"As retail continues to evolve, the rapid influx of technology has driven consumers to expect a connected, convenient experience that seamlessly aligns with their everyday life. Commerce is no longer about just creating a flawless online and in-store experience. It's about leveraging channels to facilitate a deeper connection with consumers," said Erin Jordan, author of the report, and retail technology practice area lead and partner at Walker Sands. "Brands and retailers who are able to differentiate themselves by demonstrating their value to consumers will be able to build both convenience and connection to compete and succeed in today's retail landscape."
To learn more about how commerce is becoming a more integrated part of our connected lifestyles and to view the full findings of the Future of Retail 2019 report, click here.
About Walker Sands
Walker Sands is a public relations and digital marketing agency for business-to-business technology companies. With an integrated approach to creative services, Walker Sands helps clients build brand awareness, enhance credibility and drive new business. Walker Sands is a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree and regular recipient of some of the industry's most prestigious awards from organizations including Entrepreneur, Holmes Report and Hermes Creative. Walker Sands was founded in 2001 and has offices in Chicago and San Francisco. To learn more, visit http://www.walkersands.com or http://www.walkersandsdigital.com.
SOURCE Walker Sands Communications
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