The latest Consumer Trends Report from Evri has revealed that UK men make more e-commerce purchases, shop more frequently on the high street and even plan to spend more across all forms of retail than women over the next 12 months, indicating that males are a bigger contributor to powering the retail economy.
The report, which was commissioned as part of the parcel giant’s 50th anniversary celebrations, found that men make an average of 64 purchases online each year, compared to 56 for women. It also found that 30% of men receive more than three online shopping deliveries a week, compared to just 25% of women.
And they’re not just online – men are also more likely to shop in physical stores, with 57% of men shopping on the high street at least once a week, compared to 47% of women.
Market transformation
The report, which surveyed over 4,000 people across the UK, provides a snapshot into how the retail landscape has transformed over the last 50 years – with shoppers from all generations and demographics expecting more from online shopping experiences, including lightning-fast delivery at the touch of a button.
Kate Hardcastle MBE, broadcaster and independent consumer champion, commented, “The retail landscape has undergone a seismic shift over the last 50 years. Consumers, once reliant on local stores, bulky catalogs, or friendly neighborhood salespeople, have embraced the unparalleled convenience of online shopping. Giant online retailers offer vast product selections at competitive prices, all accessible with a click from the comfort of the sofa.”
E-commerce growth
The popularity of shopping online has grown in recent years – 57% of those surveyed stated they shop consistently online, up from just 10% a decade ago. Convenience and variety are among the main motivators for shoppers to look online, though looking for a bargain remains the top reason – 60% of customers confirmed that price is the biggest influence on purchasing items, with the availability of deals and vouchers online being a key factor.
Martijn De Lange, CEO at Evri, concluded, “As we celebrate 50 years of parcel deliveries, we’re looking back at the changing landscape of retail, with more than half of people now shopping consistently online. Our report provides key insight into the trends driving the growth of home shopping, which has in turn powered our evolution into one of the UK’s fastest-growing parcel delivery services.”