Report: 79% Of Aussie Men Like To Shop (And 29% Admit They Love It)!

In what can only be described as a surprising development a new report says that 79 per cent of Aussie blokes like going shopping in large shopping centres and a staggering 29 per cent admit they “love” the experience.
The report (admittedly by an owner of a major chain of shopping centres) by AMP Capital Shopping Centres (AMPCSC) says many retailers are ignoring an important category – and that’s blokes.
The report (which you can download here), titled When is a shopping centre more than just a shopping centre? was part of AMPCSC’s annual Recommended Retail Practice Report (RRP). It found 66 per cent of men visit a shopping centre at least once a week, and more men than women (74 per cent and 69 per cent respectively) are increasing the amount they spend on fashion items. This creates a strong opportunity for fashion retailers who can provide tailored styling services for men, such as M.J. Bale or Topman, the report found.
With the face of retail predominately designed for the female shopper, big changes may be in order for some retailers, as one in 10 males said they would spend more money if a retail offering was designed to cater to their interests and needs, as well as those of women.
Bryan Hynes, managing director of AMPCSC said of the (online) survey results: “The findings of the 2016 Recommended Retail Practice Report are truly fascinating, and the report will be a great tool for retailers looking to achieve success in a highly competitive and rapidly changing market.”
In addition to highlighting the need for retailers to engage more with men, the report found that the modern shopper looks to bricks-and-mortar retailers to go beyond just supplying goods or services to create a unique and memorable experience that cannot be replicated online.
Other findings of the study included:
Men vs Women
Technology also has a big impact on men. The Recommended Retail Practice Report found that 27 per cent of men would spend more with retailers who design and coordinate the online and in-store experience to make shopping more efficient and enjoyable, and 19 per cent would spend more if technology is used to enable them to shop with more confidence and ease.
Mr Hynes said: “The male shopper has certainly been overlooked by many retailers in the past, and it’s important that we as an industry re-engage with this important group of consumers. Retailers need to do more to provide an engaging experience for men that shows they understand their wants and needs, whether it be through the physical décor of the store or by serving them with tailored communications.”
Time vs Money
Most shoppers are time poor and looking for every way possible to cut down time spent on chores and errands, in order to maximise their leisure time. The uptake of ‘self-serve’ options at supermarket checkouts and discount department stores demonstrates this. The report found that 85 per cent of shoppers would spend as much, or more, if shopping experiences were designed to be more efficient and easy.
However, it goes beyond just providing efficiency, the report found that shoppers are looking to be rewarded for their loyalty in ways that go beyond discount cards. It found 73 per cent of shoppers are willing to spend as much or more if retailers reward them with special experiences or customised events. Essentially, retailers need to provide a face-to-face experience that cannot be replicated online.
Mr Hynes said: “For many people, time is money. Retailers need to be looking at ways to make the process of shopping for goods as efficient as possible, while at the same time creating special experiences for shoppers who visit your store which are just as, or more, compelling than the online option.”
Crowd vs Community
It’s not just mega-brands such as Apple and Netflix who can have cult-like followings from consumers. The report found that 84 per cent of shoppers indicated they would spend as much, or more, if retailers made positive contributions to the community. This is a key insight, especially for smaller retailers who are looking to foster brand loyalty.
This sense of loyalty can be fostered by connecting with local shoppers on an emotional level. Burger chain, Grill’d, has effectively adopted this strategy by giving customers the opportunity to donate to a local charity when purchasing meals.
Entertainment vs Mindfulness
Consumers are looking to retailers and shopping centres to provide them with new and diverse experiences to entertain them during their trip to the shops. This helps extend their leisure time and is a great opportunity for food retailers, who have been experiencing a boom in the last few years.
In fact, the Recommended Retail Practice Report found that 82 per cent of shoppers would spend as much or more if food experiences were designed to provide opportunities to relax and have time out.
Somewhere vs Anywhere
When it comes to bricks and mortar retail stores, the physical environment is of critical importance. The report found that shoppers want the destination to connect with the land around it, creating seamless transition between inside and outside.
Mr Hynes said: “Retailers who can give shoppers a sense of pride in a particular place will increase both shopper engagement and sales. At AMP Capital Shopping Centres, this is referred to as our placemaking strategy. A great example of how we put this into practice is the recently completed $670 million redevelopment of Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast. One of the key features of the new centre is The Resort – an unrivalled open air retail precinct, filled with lush palm trees, gently running water features and secluded cabanas for visitors to stop and take in the relaxed oasis in-between shopping and dining. This connects the centre to its unique beachside location in a way that is elegant, yet sophisticated and warm, creating a sense of luxury that isn’t flashy or superficial.”
Latest News

Air New Zealand & Bastion Shine Save Christmas With Their Latest Campaign
When it comes to New Zealanders, are they really just glorified Tasmanians who are much better at sport?

Google To Pay $111m To News Publishers In Canada
Google lumped with latest $100 million-plus fine. Which, when it's all said & done, is like 50 cents to the rest of us.

Thursday TV Ratings: The Chase Takes The Crown For Entertainment
Much like navigating the single-malt whiskey menu at Rockpool, Thursday night TV proves a tricky one for network bosses.

Before Adland: Luke Spano’s High-Stakes Switch
The Avid Collective MD reveals his life pre-adland. As exciting as it is, it's not international playboy spy & Lothario.

New Study Busts Aussie Advertisers Over False “Clean, Green & Sustainable” Claims
Aussie adland in strife over some of its 'green' claims. By that we mean environmental claims, NOT fibrous vegetables.

Network 10’s Rod Prosser On TV Ratings: “One Measurement System Is Better For The Industry”
The only thing B&T would love more than a chat with Rod Prosser would be a game of squash. Yes, he's a 'yellow dot' man.

It’s Friday Quiz Time Again!
Take B&T's trivia quiz for your chance to win a $100 booze voucher and possible cirrhosis of a major internal organ.

Innocent Bystander Wines Challenge The Boring With New Campaign
As the Latins famously say "in vino veritas" or "in wine, there is truth". And, truthfully speaking, B&T hated this ad.

Apple Enlists Taika Waititi For Gorgeous (& Not Christmas) New Work!
Think the month leading into Christmas is all Curtis Stone's Christmas prawns? It's Apple to the rescue today, readers.

Clean Up Australia Unveils Brand Refresh Via uberbrand
Do you have "litterbug" on either your resume or LinkedIn profile? Change your trashy ways immediately on this news.

Musk: Advertisers “Go Fuck Yourselves”
B&T warns this article contains language readers may find offensive. And by that we don't mean Elon Musk.

Triple M Puts The Gold Back In The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is Australia's "glitter strip". That is if you think bogans, bikies & personal trainers are "glitter".

SenateSHJ Launches New Trans-Tasman Practices
SenateSHJ has launched a new digital, data and insights capability designed to help clients tackle the growing complexity of communication challenges. SenateSHJ Digital, Data and Insights (DDI) will combine the firm’s existing Digital and Insights functions to create a Trans-Tasman capability focused on digital communication, and the generation and use of data to improve communication. […]

Nova Shakes Off Swift Mania With Dedicated Station
Want to make yourself the most despised person in the office? Read on with the launch of Taylor Swift radio.

QMS CEO John O’Neill On His Plans To Get OOH Spend Up To 20% (Watchout TV!)
B&T's chatting with outdoor supremo, QMS' John O’Neill. Eerily the outdoors never got mentioned in any small talk.

AANA’s New Code Means Stricter Rules Apply To Advertising To Children
There are now stricter ad rules applying to kids. Yet, nothing a bottle of Fanta & a box of Froot Loops can't fix.

New BrandStory Format From Bonzai Allows 3x More Ad Space on Mobile
Creative technology platform Bonzai has announced the launch of BrandStory – a new premium mobile ad format. BrandStory offers triple the ad space and 2.8 times greater time in view than single scroll ad formats, addressing the surging demand from brands worldwide for more real estate to drive real results by seamlessly intertwining awareness, exploration […]

“Cut The Crap!” Piers Morgan Sensationally Outs “Royal Racists” On His TV Show
The corgis, anyone in the Palace with a funny hat & even Camilla off the hook, as Piers delivers royal racist dirt.

Wednesday TV Ratings: 365,000 Sign Up To Watch The Last EVER Hot Seat on Nine
Mrs McGuire reportedly unhappy about Eddie loafing about the house after Nine cans Hot Seat.

B&T’s Search For Australia’s Greatest Ad Heads To Channel 7
B&T went through the looking glass this morning, with editor-in-chief David Hovenden (above) appearing on Channel 7’s The Morning Show to get the general public involved in our search for Australia’s Greatest Ad. Hovenden chatted with Kylie Gillies and stand-in host Matt Doran about what makes a great ad and showcasing some of our favourites […]

It’s The Best Of The Best – Directors Of First Impressions, Presented By Finecast, Part Of GroupM Nexus
They're the ones with the best hair and the whitest teeth! Yes, it's adland's top 10 directors of first impressions.

Opinion: The Tall Planner’s Kate Smither On The DBA Dilemma
The science is not in question – smarter people than I, with far more data, have codified it. The logic is not up for grabs…it makes sense that creating mental shortcuts to your brand keeps you at the top of your mind. Lead image: Kate Smither – Owner, The Tall Planner I wouldn’t even take […]

Ortto & Tall Bob Partner To Deliver Better SMS & MMS For Australian & NZ Businesses
Two Australian-born technology providers have joined forces to bring more power and choice to marketers in Australia and New Zealand with mobile messaging that is more local, cost-effective, and integrated. It’s a partnership that sees two Australian software companies come together to deliver a world-class mobile-first solution for marketers building data-driven, personalised, omnichannel campaigns. While […]

PubMatic Nabs Luke Smith From Seven West Media
Seven's Luke Smith quits for PubMatic. However, he's still in line for one of James Warburton's annual Christmas hams.

Slew Of New Hires At Snap Inc.
Snap Inc. has announced a number of new recruits. B&T unaware if it positively impacted SEEK's share price.

Michael McLacren Confirmed As Deb Knight Replacement For 2GB Afternoons
Think AM radio has a bit of an angry boys' club feel? It's not improving things with this news.

Reddit Gets Playful Brand Refresh
This will be of interest to any Reddit fans, graphic designers or lovers of an orange so bright it burns the retinas.

World Square Counts Down To Christmas With Sydney’s Biggest Advent Calendar
Hopefully this news will get you in the Christmas spirit. Either that or go and stand in Westfields for nine hours.

Zitcha & Broadsign Partner To Drive Global In-Store Retail Media Market
Zitcha and Broadsign have teamed up to integrate the Broadsign out-of-home (OOH) advertising platform with Zitcha’s retail media platform. The collaboration empowers retailers to maximise and monetise in-store digital display networks and enables advertising partners to easily view and book available in-store inventory and review campaign performance alongside the retailer’s other media channels. With the […]

B&T’s Search For Australia’s Greatest Ad Part 5!
B&T's vote for Australia's greatest-ever ad is much like the recent referendum sans the mudslinging and Kamahl.

Ignite the Thrill: National Drag Racing Championship Unleashes Media Campaign Via Murmur Group
If there's one sport in the world that's thumbing its nose at global emissions, it's probably drag racing.

Rethink Ink: Is It About Time You Reconsidered Print?
Print's not merely an excellent vehicle for brands, it's also perfect for getting the barbecue alight for the sausages.

Double Rainbouu & 7-Eleven Launch Exclusive Summer Fashion Label
Today, 7-Eleven has announced a one-of-a-kind collaboration with the popular Sydney-based anti-resort wear label Double Rainbouu. Dropping tomorrow, December 1, just in time for summer, this limited-edition capsule will infuse the fashion brand’s rebellious spirit with a distinctly iconic 7-Eleven flavour. The unisex collection features five must-have styles comprising two signature Hawaiian shirts, a peaked cap, a bucket hat […]

Cannes In Cairns Media Accreditation Open Now!
Work in media? Want to cover next year's Cannes In Cairns? There'll be no free piña coladas without this form.

In-House Agency Council Research Report: 78% Of Marketers Now Work With An In-House Agency
In-housing is definitely an industry hot button topic. Admittedly still a long way behind office affairs.

OMA Announces Winners Of The Q3 Creative Collection Competition
Who doesn't love the out of home medium? Apart from the very real chance of being shat on by a bird.