Following the lockdowns and a year of social distancing, consumers are eyeing being back in shops in person and engaging in the full retail experience. 

It comes as new research from global payments specialists Elavon and Ipsos MORI indicated that eight in ten (82%) of over one thousand people polled in the UK suggest they want to shop in-person. 

The research also detailed that a third of these cited supporting the local economy as a pivotal factor in this, as SME businesses have endured one of the most challenging years in recent memory. 

Simon Tune, Commercial Director at Elavon Europe said: “This is hopefully good news for retailers in one of the most challenging trading environments to date. The appetite to support the local economy is strong, and the advice from consumers for retailers to prioritise health and safety is clear. While online shopping continues to remain vital as the pandemic continues to evolve, this research reminds us that people have an emotional bond with our high streets and physical retail.”

Going into further detail on why consumers are seeking to embrace shopping in-person over digital commerce, 38% of people said going to an actual shop makes buying things quicker and easier. As well as this, 33% cited the benefit of assessing quality there and then, possibly without the hassle of potentially going through a returns process.

Furthermore, the demographic was also detailed with the spike of retail most likely stemming from 16 to 24-year-olds, partly due to a redistribution of their budgets as many had spent less on social activities during the restrictions. 

In comparison, one in ten (11%) of those aged 25-34 and 35-44, 3% of 45-54 year-olds, and 5% of those aged 55-75 plan to spend more.

Expert Analysis: The shift to retail and desiring a brick and mortar experience shouldn’t come as a surprise given what shoppers have endured this year, being isolated from not only retail but also a significant amount of socialising. The retail sector undoubtedly needs the boost in footfall and this holiday period may well be key in its recovery.