The future of bricks-and-mortar stores remains strong according to a recent report by AMP.
The annual Recommended Retail Practice report found that 87% of Gen Z shoppers, also known as 'future shoppers', preferred to shop in-store compared to 79% who rather online.
While 53% of future shoppers said they felt confident when shopping with others, only 27% of current shoppers felt the same.
Male shopper patterns remained a key focus, as 46% of male future shoppers indicated they are more interested in staying ahead of popular trends compared to 36% of their female counterparts.
The report also revealed that 56% of male future shoppers are more confident when shopping with others as a opposed to 29% of male current shoppers.
Online engagement was also a factor, as 61% of future shoppers were found to research their purchases while in-store, and a further 63% also engaged with retailers' wish list functions.
Further findings indicated that businesses with some form of social responsibility were preferred by approximately 70% of both future and current shoppers.
A further 59% of future shoppers agreed they would pay more for sustainable products compared to 48% of current shoppers.
AMP Capital Shopping Centres managing director Mark Kirkland said the report findings showed the future of retail to be positive, with retailers able to capitalise on plenty of new opportunities.
“The research highlights the importance of developing fun, social experiences in-store and the opportunities that emerge once brands and retailers align their online and offline offerings.
“The continued popularity of shopping in-store provides a positive outlook for retailers. It’s important that, as an industry, we constantly evolve to adapt to the current trends that engage our Future Shoppers in order to stay relevant.”