Consumers want to Shop Local – Go Local

NATIONAL

MGA members may be interested to know that a recent major bank survey of consumers found that more than 50 per cent of Australian shoppers want to buy locally sourced and produced products,

The report commissioned by CBA offers an analysis of the Australian consumer, with the first edition focusing on evaluating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on consumer lifestyle and behaviours.

The research shows more Australians are choosing to shop locally, supporting local online retailers and manufacturers as well as suburban shopping centres and neighbourhood stores.

Our members have seen a demonstrable pick up in sales and businesses from their local customers since the emergence of COVID-19; understanding this consumer trend is especially important for all our members to comprehend. Our mantra is “Shop Local” or “Go Local” as per the COSBOA Go Local Campaign which needs to be backed up with continual investments into making the shopping experience exceptional every day, every month and every year. That’s how we keep our customers!

The shopping local trend is occurring across a variety of categories, including groceries (53 per cent), recreational goods (59 per cent), fashion (58 per cent) and electronics (55 per cent).

Additionally, almost two thirds (61 per cent) of consumers are praising local businesses for their adaptability to the disruption caused by the pandemic. This is certainly the case for all our supermarket, bottleshop and timber and hardware members too!

The report shows one in four consumers have increased online purchases, with the biggest change in online shoppers’ activities during the pandemic being an increase in purchases made from Australian online retailers.

This trend looks set to continue – with nearly one in two people (49 per cent) shopping more with domestic online retailers in 2020, and 52 per cent saying they will continue to do so this year. In contrast, consumers who made purchases from online retailers based offshore indicate their number of purchases moving forward will taper or revert to pre-pandemic levels.

Report highlights

» Back to normal – More than 65 per cent of consumers expect spending on groceries, cafes, restaurants, personal care, and hardware will return to pre-pandemic levels. » Pandemic spending – Over 40 per cent of consumers managed to cut their overall spending levels during the pandemic, while 39 per cent didn’t see any change, and 19 per cent increased their spending. Just under half (44 per cent) of those who spent less expect to continue to do so during 2021. » Mobile wallet use rising – The majority of consumers reported using cashless frequently than before the pandemic. 39 per cent of those who use a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay report doing so more frequently, with Gen Z and Gen Y driving the adoption of mobile wallets.

Source: CBA Shop Local Survey 2021