Search
Close this search box.

75% of consumers frustrated by lack of real-time stock visibility, while 31% of stores regularly run out of stock

This is an archived article - we have removed images and other assets but have left the text unchanged for your reference

Three-quarters (75%) of consumers are “frustrated” by not receiving real-time stock visibility alerts on their smartphones when in stores – not helped by around a third (31%) of stores generally running out of stock, says a new study.

Some 42% of shoppers say that they wish to be notified via their mobile when a selected item will be restocked or made available, while 44% say they would like real-time visibility of an item’s stock levels, says a study conducted by enterprise solutions provider HSO. 

The data is supported by additional consumer comments – some expressing frustration with filling up an online basket – only to get to the checkout page to find that some of the items are out of stock. Further to this, there are comments about not being sure if an item would be in stock in-store, or if an item wasn’t in stock or when it would be coming in.

The study goes on to say that click and collect enabled products is a popular choice as opposed to home delivery amongst more than 52% of surveyed consumers that used the service throughout the last year. Almost a tenth (9%) of the sample say they’ve used this service more than once a month in the last year.

When it comes to primary reasons for clientele choosing online shopping to high-street convenience 70% say that “greater product range” wins their heart.

Hector Hickmott, sales director at HSO says: “Convenience is crucial within today’s retail sector. Consumers are driven by digital expectations which have enabled near-instant access to services, goods and data. Shopping should be no exception and when hampered with inaccurate stock information, the positive customer experience is threatened and could result in declining sales.”

Image credit: Fotolia

Read More

Register for Newsletter

Group 4 Copy 3Created with Sketch.

Receive 3 newsletters per week

Group 3Created with Sketch.

Gain access to all Top500 research

Group 4Created with Sketch.

Personalise your experience on IR.net