Hand clicked food: 6.4 million Australians have started grocery shopping online
A substantial number of Australians have changed their shopping habits since the pandemic began, according to new research by Finder.
A nationally representative survey of 1,015 respondents revealed that 33% of Australians – equivalent to 6.4 million people – have started grocery shopping online following the initial lockdowns in early 2020.
The research found that the states with the biggest uptake of online food shopping were New South Wales, with 43% of residents making grocery purchases online, and Victoria at 31%.
Kate Browne, personal finance expert at Finder, said the pandemic has shifted the way that businesses respond to customers' needs.
"Online shopping has skyrocketed since the pandemic began, and supermarkets have made significant changes to their in-store experience.
"Many Australians now have a huge range of meal options at their fingertips, made even easier by food boxes, meal kits and food delivery services," Browne said.
The majority of Australians in Western Australia (78%) and South Australia (70%) said that their shopping habits have remained the same.
Baby boomers (86%) are the least likely to have changed their shopping habits since the pandemic began, despite 82% saying it's more efficient to shop online.
Changes to the way we shop have also encouraged retail stores to innovate in order to provide safe and effective customer service, and ultimately a better in-store experience.
Last week, Coles won the top prize for Best Supermarket Innovation in Finder's 2021 Innovation Awards for its revamped in-store experience.
Browne recommends using online shopping as a tool to save time and money on groceries.
"Online shopping can give you the power to hunt around for a bargain.
"Meal delivery services are great for those who have larger households looking to save money, cut down on food waste and spend less time shopping and cooking."
| Have you started grocery shopping online since the pandemic began? | |
|---|---|
| No, my grocery shopping habits have stayed the same | 60% |
| Yes, I now do some of my grocery shopping online | 19% |
| Yes, I now do most of my grocery shopping online | 14% |
| No, but I am thinking about doing it soon | 7% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,015 respondents, July 2021 |
| Do you find online shopping more efficient/saves you time? | |
|---|---|
| Yes | 86% |
| No | 14% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,015 respondents, July 2021 |
Looking for some quick and easy ways to save money? Check out Finder's 50 money-saving tips that will help you budget and save money quickly.
