Online Shopping? Pfft! Millennials And Gen Zs Love In-Store Even More!

Beware of the obvious, it’s not always right. That’s the lesson from a piece of research into released in-store customer experiences by consumer retail research outfit iModerate last month.

The study, called “Bricks and Mortars Stores, Nice or need to Have?” reveals that the most online savvy of shoppers – younger consumers – hold more more firmly to the view that it is important for brands to have a physical location. Eighty per cent of Gen Zers (born after 2000) and 82 percent of Millennial consumers held to the notion as opposed to 69 per cent of Gen Xers and 65 percent of Boomers.

gen-shop-1

The study’s authors also reveal that the data suggests a consumers the first in-store impression is critical to building loyalty.

Consumers love the visceral experience of shopping, says the researchers. The ability to feel and try on merchandise, particularly items such as clothing, shoes and cosmetics offers shoppers a critical reassurance particularly around first-time buying experiences that provide the bedroom where perceptions are formed and where and loyalty is established.

According to iModerate CMO Adam Rossow, “One of brick-and-mortar’s greatest advantages over other channels is that there’s an opportunity for shoppers to interact with products, and that gives them the confidence they need to make a purchase. Retailers can take even small steps to capitalize on these exploratory shopping habits, such as creating close-up experiences with new styles, providing samples and demos, and ensuring there are ample mirrors and fitting rooms.”

Expensive items, specialty items and relatively more complex products benefit most, and the in-store opportunity really shines when customers are in a hurry. On the flip side it is less of an issue when they are in a hurry, if its an emergency or if the store carried truly unique items.

gen-ideal-shop

Different demographic cohorts are attracted to different aspects of the experience, according to the study;

Gen Z – Seeks the reassurance found through the sensorial. Stores like Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 enable them to try on various sizes and styles that are difficult to perfect online, and brands such as Sephora offer samples and demos.
Millennials – Seek efficiency and quality. Many are launching careers and have young families so they need to shop frequently, and favour big-box stores for their ability to quickly find everything they need in one place.
Gen X – Seeks an escape and discoveries. With bustling careers and older kids, their life is hectic and they appreciate stores such as Target that offer a getaway through calm music, coffee, etc.
Boomers – Seek comfort and space. Many are living on limited incomes, so they like to touch products before buying them and balk at paying for shipping. They also value low music, light scents and seating.

For the big box department stores there are also some important takeouts. Staff been to be better trained and more knowledgeable around product, stores in the chain need more consistency around product selection, layout, maintenance and management to make shopping more efficient and those big wide open spaces can feel cluttered and dirty when not they are not maintained.

Service still matters

According to the authors, “One of the most critical in-store touchpoints influencing purchase behaviour and loyalty is customer service. A store can meet shoppers’ criteria by offering desirable, well-priced, quality products, but a poor customer service experience can trump all else – and may result in shoppers walking away from a purchase, or worse, avoiding the store the next time.”

At the very least, they say, shoppers want to feel respected and welcome. “But stores that go above and beyond to gain loyalty offer that extra touch of personalised care, treating shoppers like a trusted friend.”

This article originally appeared on B&T’s sister business site www.which-50.com

Advertise with us

Please login with linkedin to comment

Advertising Standards Bureau Gen I Quit Sugar Mobile Retail veda