Originally published: Shopping Centre News, 14 April 2023
New research*, commissioned by Vicinity Centres, reveals that over half (53%) of Australians expressed they preferred in-store retail therapy, as opposed to shopping online. Despite the boom in e-commerce, consumers appear to be experiencing digital shopping fatigue.
The statistics show that in-store shopping was more than just the practical and ‘try before you buy’ aspects, consumers also looked for the mental health benefits that retail therapy can provide. While research has shown that purchasing an item is a key part of a ‘successful’ retail therapy session (49%), walking around (43%), food and drink activities (40%), enjoying in-centre experiences (27%) and socialising with peers (25%) were among the other top factors of a day out at the shops.
*Research was conducted in March 2023 by Pureprofile on behalf of Vicinity Centres on a sample of over 1,000 Australians above the age of 18.
