Technology has changed the shopping experience for consumers in a number of ways. In the past, most shopping was done in-store, but now consumers have far more options. They can shop online, using their smartphones or laptops, or they can visit a physical store. Mixed-channel shopping is also becoming more popular, as consumers use a combination of online and offline channels to find the best deals. Technology has also made it easier for tech forward consumers to comparison shop and to find coupons and discounts. As a result, shoppers are now more informed and empowered than ever before.
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Data for today’s episode is provided by Mercator Advisory Group’s report – Tech Forward Shoppers: A Retailer’s Dream.
4 characteristics of ‘tech forward’ consumers:
- “I consider myself on the ‘cutting edge’ when it comes to tech”
- “I try and employ the latest technology in my home”
- “Keeping up with tech changes can be difficult” scale reversed
- “I watch consumer experts to see if I can keep up with their tech skills”
- In total, 20% of consumers qualify as ‘tech forward’
- 44% of consumers qualify as average with technology
- 35% of consumers qualify as ‘laggard’ with technology
About this report
Mercator Advisory Group’s latest Primary Data report, Tech Forward Shoppers: A Retailer’s Dream is the based on the company’s 2019 Buyer PaymentsInsight Survey (formerly Customer Merchant Experience Survey). The online survey of 3,000 U.S. adult consumers, which was conducted in March 2019, explores consumers’ merchant experiences as they shop in-store, online, and via mixed channels. The survey was designed with the goal of defining and highlighting consumer expectations for optimal experiences with merchants.
This third report of three on the survey’s findings looks more specifically at the emerging behavior patterns of customers as they shop in-store, online, via mobile. The report’s analysis of the findings offers insights into how consumers shop, how their attitudes toward technology impact their shopping behavior, and how loyalty program membership drives the way they shop.
