NINE in 10 shoppers will continue to do the bulk of their shopping online – despite high street stores looking set to open in April.
The study of 2,000 adults found almost half find shopping online far less stressful than going in store, and 28% like that they don’t feel pressured to make a purchase.
1
Brits are now comfortable buying clothes, shoes and jewellery without seeing or trying them on first.
One in 10 respondents have even happily bought a car via the internet without even so much as a test drive or viewing, with a further fifth willing to do so when the time comes.
And more than seven in 10 adults said there is no longer a need to worry about going from shop to shop, when everything is so readily available via the internet.
James Taylor, from Vauxhall Motors, which commissioned the survey, said: “There can be a lot of misconceptions around making bigger purchases online, but we are seeing that it’s becoming a much more normalised way of shopping.
“Making expensive purchases, doesn’t have to be nerve racking.
“The worst that can happen with an expensive online purchase is that you don’t like it – but just as with a pair of jeans you buy online, grace periods, returns and refunds are perfectly common.
“At Vauxhall for example, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee at our online showroom so customers have further peace of mind in buying their new car online.”
The study also revealed Brits are happy to consider purchasing a vehicle online without seeing it in person first if it is from a trusted car brand, if there are deals that differ from in-store, or if it is available on a user-friendly website.
And 25–34-year-olds are the most likely to shop online, with a third of over-55s also saying the same.
Those aged 45-54 buy the most clothes online – although people aged 25-34 buy the most shoes without trying them on.
But over-55s are most likely to book a holiday online, rather than going into a travel agent for more personal details.
However, the OnePoll study found despite the majority of adults now preferring to shop online, 61% said there are still certain items they would only buy in-store.
A house, sofa and spectacles are among the items Brits are still nervous about sourcing from the web.
Seven in 10 said they want to see these items in person first, and a third feel it’s just not the same if they were to buy them online.
Trust is a big issue for 23% of adults, while 25% still aren’t as confident about making an online purchase as they are in-store.
James Taylor from Vauxhall Motors added: “It’s interesting to see those of all generations are becoming more inclined to shop from home.
“However, for some people, in some circumstances you still can’t beat that physical aspect of browsing and purchasing items in store, which is why our showrooms remain a vital part of our business too.”
PENSION PAIN
State pension warning as Brits told sum ‘won’t be enough’ for retirement
MEAL DEAL
McDonald’s is doing two offers on the app tomorrow, including a free hot drink
URGENT RECALL
More chicken sold in major supermarkets recalled over salmonella fears
FLOWER FAIL
Worst Mother’s Day flower fails including mouldy bouquets and brown roses
BEER WE GO!
Brits face waiting WEEKS to get a table at pub – how to beat post-lockdown rush
BEER FEAR
Restaurant bosses enforce ‘pay-before-you-eat’ policy to tackle ‘no-shows’
Under Boris Johnson’s four-step roadmap out of lockdown, the high street can welcome back customers from April 12.
At the moment, only shops that are deemed essential by the government are allowed to open for browsing.
Meanwhile, non-essential stores can stay open during lockdown for home delivery and click and collect orders only.
Woman reveals how to copy high-end looks on a budget
