Although online grocery shoppers can be found across all demographic groups, they are more likely to be younger men, age 18-44, according to a recent report on online grocery shopping by The NPD Group. Amazon Prime members and young adults are other groups more likely to grocery shop online, finds “The Virtual Grocery Store” report.
The internet is quickly becoming the virtual grocery store for many U.S. consumers with 52 million currently grocery shopping online, the report says. Shopping online appeals to those who find grocery shopping a necessary evil, and many of those who feel that way are men. Since many younger adults are delaying marriage and starting families, and many Boomers are becoming widowers, more than 40 percent of primary grocery shoppers are men and 60 percent of men, 18 to 44, have purchased groceries online. NPD finds that men tend to make grocery shopping a mission and spend less time in brick-and-mortar stores compared to women. Men also will buy fewer items on each trip and will likely leave the store if they can’t find an item. Online grocery shopping is the answer for men who are looking to avoid physical trips to the store. For these reasons, online shoppers are disproportionately men who are looking to avoid physical trips to the store, says NPD.
Another large online grocery shopping group is Amazon Prime members. With some 31 million households with an Amazon Prime membership or access to one, it makes sense that 52 percent of Amazon prime members shop for groceries online, according to NPD. Amazon already dominates online grocery shopping and, with the addition of the the quick delivery benefit that comes with a Prime membership, it’s an offer too good to refuse, says NPD.
Young adults of the Gen Z and Millennial generations, who were born and raised in the tech era, also favor grocery shopping online. It’s second nature for these young adults to use the internet for all types of purchases. Online grocery shopping is especially appealing to Millennials who appreciate global cuisines. They also are able to find what they need online and view food shopping, prep and eating as an experience rather than just sustenance.
“Although online grocery shopping lags other e-commerce industries in terms of development, it is growing; and the groups that are the most active online grocery shoppers are large,” said Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage industry analyst. “Now is the time to start developing test programs if you lack an e-commerce program or to expand your current services. Keep in mind it’s about saving consumers time using an online presence for them to get the foods and beverages they’re accustomed to consuming.”
This post is a great way to start Kristen! For businesses who are into online shopping, today is a great day to start thinking about putting up an online grocery on their website too. Although the post covered the study on United States, I think it is still helpful for business from other countries as well. Personally, I find shopping for grocery convenient. I don’t have to find a parking space, wait for longs lines at the cashier or spend some time at the physical store. Through online portals, I can easily place items I need on my cart. Like http://unlideals.com/, it has already expanded its services to grocery shopping. Hopefully, more and more websites for all over the world can give convenience in their local markets.