Everyday life has transformed over the past five years. And it’s largely down to advancements in technology. One area that has seen massive change is shopping – from how we do it to what we buy.
Just how has this happened, though?
We explore the key shifts in shopping habits to find out.
Online Shopping
The last ten years has seen a surge in the average amount of internet shoppers. Figures released by analyst source Statista reveal just how great the shift has been.
During 2008, it estimated that 53 per cent of Brits made purchases online. A decade on from this, this figure has risen by 25%.
So, why are more of us buying goods through the web? The key reason is convenience. In going online, shoppers can avoid queues, compare prices and read product reviews.
What are everyday items for many people – like e-liquids – are available on the web.
Even better, they’re able to do this from the comfort of their own home. It provides an easy shopping solution. No wonder a lot of us use this option.
Retail Decline
Retail is less popular than it used to be. Why? Mainly because online shopping offers an easier alternative to in-store visits.
A recent survey highlights that English and Welsh town centres lost 8% of their shops between 2013 – 2018. Stoke-on-Trent, for example, saw a drop of 23% of its 415 retailers during those five years. Seaside towns like Eastbourne and Blackpool are also among the cities worst affected.
So, what does its future look like? Well, it’s unlikely that the high street will disappear entirely. So long as they utilise tech, they may very well stand to reap rewards. Perhaps in-store gadgets will help it remain relevant during the digital age.
How industry leaders choose to respond to the growth of tech and the web remains to be seen, however.
Eco-Shopping
Over the past ten years, the environmental impact of mass food production has become much clearer. If carried out on a large scale, deforestation, agricultural practices and goods transportation can all harm the planet.
Organic food, on the other hand, is eco-friendly to produce. And because its growers don’t use pesticides or additives, it’s typically healthier for consumers.
That’s why a lot of Brits have switched to it as their main food source. The Soil Association has even declared that people in the UK spend almost £45 million per week on it. This marks will reach £2.5 billion by 2020.
Planet-friendly food is already popular among UK buyers – and this looks set to increase.
Very often, societal shifts influence shopping habits. And this is particularly true of the last ten years. How will the next decade shape how we buy goods?
