Consumer Behavior
Gen Z shoppers quick to cancel a brand, claims survey
April 20, 2021
When it comes to 'cancelling' a brand Gen Z shoppers are leading the pack.
While 80% of the consumer demographic are willing to try new brands, 63% don't have much patient for clunky websites and 37% will abandon a purchase and quick to post a negative review when they have experienced a poor digital customer experience.
Those are top findings from a Sitecore survey conducted by Advanis that polled more than 1,000 U.S. Gen Z consumers.
Key findings outlined in a press release include:
- With Gen Z, brands must get it right or suffer the economic and reputational consequences. Fifty-seven percent are less loyal to brands than before the pandemic and 80% are now more willing to try new brands online. Retailers have no room for error as 38% of shoppers only allow a brand a single second chance before switching to a competitor. If an online store is out of stock, 74% of Gen Z will move to another retailer. On the flipside, 76% believe that their favorite brands should reward them for their patronage.
- Before the pandemic, almost a third (31%) of Gen Z — digital natives — had never purchased anything online. Since COVID-19, the vast majority (87%) state their online shopping skills have improved, with 26% using a mobile device to make a purchase for the first time. Sixty-three percent find online shopping is now more enjoyable than in-person, with nearly two-thirds (64%) identifying as digital converts who want to keep buying almost everything online.
- An overwhelming majority (83%) of Gen Z view online shopping as an experience rather than a transaction and has lofty expectations. Three quarters want new and exciting experiences when they shop online, and 71% expect a highly personalized experience. Speed of delivery is critical, with 80% finding retailers able to deliver in less than 24 hours more appealing. In addition, 37% identify free delivery as the most important element when shopping online. To improve the experience, Gen Z wants brands to take action to ensure their website works well on mobile devices (53%), remembers shopping preferences (46%), and provides personalized suggestions (43%).
"This study highlights that brands can't ignore the power of poor digital experiences when it comes to Gen Z and its shopping habits," Paige O'Neill, Sitecore CMO, said in the release. "This group has quickly shifted its significant spending power online, and pressure will continue to mount on retailers until they can deliver an experience that delights. Brand loyalty has evaporated and there is no margin for error any longer from browsing through to delivery. The ability to consistently create personalized experiences is critical to secure the wallets of Gen Z. This puts technology firmly at the center of this new battle for retailers."
