CHICAGO -- Consumers are changing how they shop for food and beverages. Some shifts, such as a marked increase in fresh-food purchases, benefit traditional brick-and-mortar retailers while others, such as a growing interest in shopping whenever and wherever and having groceries delivered, benefit online retailers.
While online and nontraditional grocery shopping options proliferate, Technomic research shows that shoppers, including the 25% who already shop for groceries online, rate traditional "brick-and-mortar" retailers significantly higher on a large number of key attributes.
"Traditional retailers appear to be doing an excellent job in satisfying their customers, as evidenced by the fact that 61% say they enjoy the in-store shopping experience," said Bob Goldin, executive vice president of Technomic.
He said he believes this high level of satisfaction may limit the potential for many online retailers. "Brick-and-mortar competition is very formidable," he added.
"Online retailers have a number of consumer appeals, but must overcome several major hurdles before they can optimize their potential, including concerns about freshness and order accuracy," said Kelly Weikel, Technomic's study director.
Chicago-based Technomic offers research studies and management consulting solutions to clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, foodservice organizations and institutions aligned with the food industry.
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