Evri: men make an average of 64 purchases online each year, compared to 56 for women
Men make more online purchases, shop more frequently on the High Street and even plan to spend more across all forms of retail than women over the next 12 months, according to a survey by Evri – indicating that males are a bigger contributor to powering the retail economy.
The UK’s biggest dedicated parcel delivery company’s poll found that men make an average of 64 purchases online each year, compared to 56 for women. It also identified that 30% of men receive more than three online shopping deliveries a week, compared to just 25% of women, perhaps challenging perceptions that it is broadly equal.
And they’re not just online – men are also more likely to shop in physical stores, with 57% of men shopping on the high street at least once a week, compared to 47% of women.
These perhaps surprising stats have been revealed by Evri’s Consumer Trends Report, commissioned as part of the parcel giant’s 50th anniversary celebrations to take an in-depth look at how consumer shopping habits have changed over the years since the business started as Grattan Mail Order in Bradford in 1974.
The report, which surveyed over 4,000 people across the UK, provides a snapshot into how the retail landscape has transformed over the last 50 years – with shoppers from all generations and demographics expecting more from online shopping experiences, including lightning-fast delivery at the touch of a button.
The popularity of shopping online has accelerated in recent years – 57% of those surveyed stated they shop consistently online, up from just 10% a decade ago. Convenience and variety are amongst the main motivators for shoppers to look online, though looking for a bargain remains the top reason. 60% of customers confirmed that price is the biggest influence on purchasing items, with the availability of deals and vouchers online being a key factor. This suggests that household budgets remain under pressure, despite inflation falling back to the Bank of England’s target after the intense cost-of-living period.
Martijn De Lange, CEO at Evri, said: “As we celebrate 50 years of parcel deliveries, we’re looking back at the changing landscape of retail, with more than half of people now shopping consistently online. Our report provides key insight into the trends driving the growth of home shopping, which has in turn powered our evolution into one of the UK’s fastest-growing parcel delivery service. We’re a UK success story with a rich heritage, from our Yorkshire roots with mail order beginnings to the modern era of ecommerce and 24/7 connectivity, our commitment to innovation has sparked a retail revolution, delivering over 720 million parcels annually to 12 million households I’m proud of the people who have helped shape our business. I’m excited for our next chapter, and the next 50 years.”
Kate Hardcastle MBE, broadcaster and independent consumer champion, commented: “The retail landscape has undergone a seismic shift over the last 50 years. Consumers, once reliant on local stores, bulky catalogues, or friendly neighbourhood salespeople, have embraced the unparalleled convenience of online shopping. Giant online retailers offer vast product selections at competitive prices, all accessible with a click from the comfort of the sofa.”