Thought Leadership: Trends & Research

Majority Of Holiday Shoppers Say They've Returned To Pre-Pandemic Shopping Habits

In a recent survey of 3,000 US consumers, 63 percent say they've settled back into shopping habits from before COVID. The survey also found that 40 percent of respondents subscribe to annual delivery or pick up services, and many are willing to pay for this convenience. Here's a closer look at the findings.

• Read more about Majority Of Holiday Shoppers Say They've Returned To Pre-Pandemic Shopping Habits

BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE LAST MILE WITH SELF-SERVICE RETURNS

It’s no secret that population density makes deliveries and returns more cost effective and sustainable. But how do carriers make that a reality for every customer, regardless of their nearest neighbor? With a smarter, more convenient option.

• Read more about BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE LAST MILE WITH SELF-SERVICE RETURNS

You Already Have The Solution To Urban E-Commerce Pollution

A whopping 81% of online shoppers think the burden of eco-friendly commerce rests with the merchant, and by association, their carrier. To them, sustainable delivery should always be an option, if not the default. In fact, it’s now as important a decision maker as competitive price when it comes to buying. And shoppers are hip to greenwashing.

• Read more about You Already Have The Solution To Urban E-Commerce Pollution

IT’S A NO-BRAINER SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTION EVERYONE WILL LOVE

Consumers care about sustainability. That’s been drilled into us over and over again in surveys and trade publications over the last few years. And consumers aren’t just saying it. They’re sincere — and actively seeking out companies that help move the conservation needle.

• Read more about IT’S A NO-BRAINER SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTION EVERYONE WILL LOVE

UNLOCK THE LATEST NATIONAL PROMOTION TRENDS AND BENCHMARKS

Inmar’s Promotion Industry Analysis presents national trends and benchmarks for use by brands and manufacturers in effectively executing competitive consumer promotions to activate shoppers. Alongside data-driven insights to position the analyses within the larger contexts of grocery retail and evolving consumer behavior, this report covers promotion distribution and redemption volume, redemption performance, category- and method-specific activity, and redemption activity by class of trade.

• Read more about UNLOCK THE LATEST NATIONAL PROMOTION TRENDS AND BENCHMARKS

To Return and Refund or Just Refund? That is the Question.

Omnichannel retailers should ask for items to be returned in-store.  Conveniently, 60 percent of shoppers prefer to make in-store returns — where they receive a refund or store credit on the spot. Armed with fresh funds, they’re likely to make new purchases while they’re there, connecting the online experience to the physical store. When executed properly, this can differentiate your banner, boost shopper loyalty and increase customer lifetime value.

• Read more about To Return and Refund or Just Refund? That is the Question.

Shoppers And Retailers Might Be Out Of Sync This Season

Inflation hasn’t been great for e-commerce, but upcoming holidays should bring an uptick in online sales. Or will they? We surveyed consumers and retailers to see if their shopping expectations were aligned, and made some surprising discoveries. RETAILERS ARE MORE OPTIMISTIC THAN CONSUMERS. Despite concerns about inflation and supply chain constraints, nearly 90 percent of retailers feel good about holiday shopping. But they could be disappointed. Around 45 percent of consumers are expecting to spend less this year, and with good reason:

• Read more about Shoppers And Retailers Might Be Out Of Sync This Season

4 Ways to Entice Inflation-Drained Holiday Shoppers

When it comes to holiday spending, nobody likes having to count their pennies. But this year’s rising prices aren’t giving consumers much choice. If retailers want to avoid thinning margins, they’ll need to be sensitive to shoppers’ wallets — and use these four savvy strategies to help customers (and the market) get more from holiday spending. 1:: Promote Early

• Read more about 4 Ways to Entice Inflation-Drained Holiday Shoppers

How Digital-First Experiences Can Drive Better Consumer Engagement

Listen to our most recent webinar where Inmar’s GM of Payments, Sylvain Mansier and guest Forrester Senior Analyst Lily Varón had an in-depth conversation about payment trends and how brands can adapt new, digital-first strategies to increase loyalty and consumer engagement. As digital payments gain steam, cash and check usage are dropping quickly. Not only do consumers prefer faster and easier digital payments — which can help boost loyalty — but migrating from paper to digital also reduces business costs.

• Read more about How Digital-First Experiences Can Drive Better Consumer Engagement