MOOSE JAW — The COVID-19 epidemic introduced more shoppers to online purchases but most consumers still prefer in-store shopping.
Brick-and-mortar stores remain relevant across all age groups according to a survey by the State of Retail 2024.
Sixty-four per cent of Canadians prefer shopping in stores with little variation by age or demographics.
That support is 55 per cent in the United States.
Online shopping led in three categories – books, toys and hobbies.
Seventy-four per cent said local shopping was important with 71 per cent citing food and beverage as their number one local shopping priority.
Eighty per cent of shoppers aged 55 and over were strongest supporters of local food and beverage shopping compared with 59 per cent of younger respondents.
The next most important local shopping categories were home and garden, liquor and wine at 41 per cent.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
