When retailers understand their customers' purchase intentions, they can make more informed decisions about how to sell. When they take action to make their business more sustainable, it's not just about meeting legal requirements on issues ranging from the WEEE Directive on the disposal of electronic equipment to clean air zones. RetailX UK Growth 1000 Reportemphasized, this is also to meet the expectations of customers.
How important is sustainable shopping to UK shoppers? RetailX asked UK shoppers about this question and the extent to which their beliefs influence the way they buy. The results of the survey show that 66% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the ecological impact of the products they buy is important. A similar proportion (67.)3%) want retailers to act in a sustainable way.
To what extent do the customer's values drive action? 46.4% say they are willing to spend more on products that are produced in a more sustainable way. When asked which environmental measures are most important to them, 715% say eco-friendly packaging is important or very important, while 60% say the same about carbon-neutral home delivery.
The study surveyed how often shoppers took action around sustainability issues and found 295% said they look for sustainability information when making a purchase, but more (33.)1%) never did. Not everyone acts on this information, 169% said they would change their buying behaviour all or most of the time citing sustainability, and another 284% do so only at some point. However, 337% always or most often choose a cheaper alternative, compared to 197% always or most often choose a green alternative, even if it's more expensive or inconvenient. Smaller groups tend to return used items for ** or resale, or choose to rent rather than buy, as shown in the frequency of use chart.
Sustainability in all sectors
Green options vary from sector to sector. Shoppers are most likely to opt for more sustainable groceries – 34Nine percent said they did it last year. This is followed by clothing (347%) and footwear (176%）。
12.7% of respondents said they actively chose more sustainable options when buying books,118% of respondents said they actively chose more sustainable options when shopping for household items. While opting for a more sustainable version of luxury (82%), consumer electronics (6.).7%) or jewelry (7%) has a relatively small number of respondents, but this can still provide relatively high value for retailers in these sectors, and the market is likely to grow rapidly in the coming years. The fact that most people will make green choices at least some of the time is reflected in only a third (33.)8%) said they didn't choose any sustainable sourcing last year.
Buying second-hand items is a popular way to shop with a relatively low impact on the environment. RetailX research shows that respondents are most likely to buy second-hand clothing (375%) and books (259%）。