NEW YORK, March 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CGS, a global provider of business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services, today announced the findings from its 2018 Retail Survey of more than 1,500 U.S. individuals, ages 18-64. The results showed that despite the spike in online shopping, where almost one-third of respondents demand two-day shipping for goods purchased online, in-store buying and returning is still highly utilized by most shoppers. Consumers are also looking more closely at how a product is made, including if it is eco-friendly, and the cost for sustainable products.
Key findings from the survey include:
Despite the rise in online shopping, most consumers will revert to brick and mortar
Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of respondents noted that they prefer their purchases be shipped to them; yet, 74 percent said that they will return an item in-store before shipping it back. Women in the age groups of 25-34 and 55-64 are also five times more likely to return items in-store than shipping it back, even if they purchased the items online. Also, while 39 percent of respondents shop both online and in-store, 65 percent surveyed said they will research a product online before purchasing it in a store.
Buyers are recognizing the importance of how a product was made
The survey found that the top factors that affect consumers’ purchasing decisions include the material and fabric of products and the ethical manufacturing of products. More than a third of all respondents noted “where a product is made” factors into their purchasing decision. Specifically, millennial women are six times more likely to consider where a product was made when purchasing, and half of female respondents in the 18-24 and 35-44 categories, and males aged 18-34 consider ethical manufacturing as a buying factor.
Sustainable goods and products are on the rise
As 40 percent of respondents expressed interest in the ethics of the product, an increased interest in product sustainability was also clear. Now more than ever, consumers are willing to pay more for these ethically manufactured products. Half of millennial consumers, 45 percent of Gen X and 40 percent of Baby Boomers would pay more for a sustainable product than their generational counterparts.
“Consumer expectations are changing, and our survey results reinforce that manufacturers will want to revisit their planning, supply chain and distribution strategies to enure they are meeting the consumers’ needs,” said Paul Magel, President, Business Applications division, CGS. “Our BlueCherry® software is helping brands manage these ongoing supply chain challenges, ultimately allowing them to reduce time to market and retain valuable customers.”
To view the findings, see infographic.
CGS’s BlueCherry® Enterprise Suite provides clients with a powerful, comprehensive set of tools to drive their fundamental business processes. It focuses on the needs of high-growth organizations operating in the consumer lifestyle products, retail and apparel industries. The BlueCherry Enterprise Suite’s built-in capacity addresses the needs of all core management, planning, product development, manufacturing, logistics, finance and sales functions.
About CGS
For nearly 35 years, CGS has enabled global enterprises, regional companies and government agencies to drive breakthrough performance through business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services. CGS is wholly focused on creating comprehensive solutions that meet clients' complex, multi-dimensional needs and support clients' most fundamental business activities. Headquartered in New York City, CGS has offices across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For more information, please visit www.cgsinc.com and follow us on Twitter at @CGSinc and @BlueCherryCGS and on Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Susan Sweeney, CGS
newsroom@cgsinc.com
Kate Connors (for CGS)
cgsny@pancomm.com