With non-essential stores across the UK now open, analysis of shopping habits across the pandemic indicate that at least half of shoppers will continue to buy clothes online, because they like it.
According to data from – MiQ, a global programmatic media partner, while many consumers used ecommerce retailers to purchase essential items, 50% of British consumers are positive about buying clothing and accessories online even once shops reopen. 35% say the same about electronics and entertainment, and 37% about beauty products.
In fact, 38% of UK consumers are not confident in returning to physical shops for non-essential purchases, and 60% only plan to shop in store for essentials.
Banking and finance get a boost
The past year and the shift to online has also impacted how people use banking and how they view finances, the study also shows. The pandemic has put large numbers of consumers around the world under significant financial stress.
For many people, this has led to cutting down on unnecessary spending. But for those with personal savings, the lockdown year has been an opportunity to supplement their income through active investment in mutual funds, stock markets and even cryptocurrencies.
36% of global customers have become more interested in online banking over the lockdown year, with higher interest among people 45 and older. 26% of people have more interest in stock investments, while 23% say the same about cryptocurrencies. Younger, unmarried individuals have shown a higher propensity for taking higher risks for higher potential profits.
Meanwhile, there’s a stark divide between younger and older people when it comes to considering travel again. Over half of global consumers aged 18-45 are excited about travelling again once it becomes possible, whereas people over the age of 45 are still more tentative.
Only a third of this audience have plans to travel when it’s possible. This is also reflected in the modes of preferred transport. Younger people tend to prefer travelling by plane (56%), older people were a bit more hesitant to use public transport and preferred to use their own vehicle (65%).