Good value for money is the top priority for shoppers this year, with two thirds (67%) suggesting it has become more important since the start of the pandemic.
That’s according to new research by Klarna, which surveyed over 4,000 consumers across Australia, Europe, the UK and the USA to understand how shopping behaviour has changed over the past 12 months.
It’s followed by promotions and deals (60%), a good reputation and trustworthiness (60%) and having a wide range of products available (58%) — perhaps fuelled, in part, by shortages on the shelves earlier in the year.
But, while these ‘non-negotiables’ are consistent across the board, Klarna’s research reveals subtle differences in the priorities and preferences of five modern shopper tribes that alter the way brands and retailers should engage with them.
By tapping into the wants and needs of shoppers, based on what brings them joy, retailers will create a deeper, emotional connection.
Outlined in a new report — Clicks and cliques: Understanding shopper tribes now — these include:
● Family Firsts: A family-focused tribe with a busy life that makes online shopping invaluable and interruptions unavoidable.
○ Most likely to be indifferent to who they buy from (30%), suggesting brands and retailers must work harder to keep them coming back
○ Over half (55%) say they are more open to trying new brands now than they have been previously — more than any other tribe
● Aspirational Achievers: A financially comfortable tribe that tend to shop around and will invest in premium products.
○ Most likely to say they are loyal to a couple of brands and retailers that they love within each category that they shop (45% made this claim)
○ High quality products are a must, with over half (57%) saying these must be offered by brands or retailers — more than any other tribe
● Here and Nows: A tribe that lives in the moment, spending what they earn on the things they want and often finding inspiration on social media.
○ Six out of ten (58%) say they still want to treat themselves to nice items, even though they are going out less — more than any other tribe
○ They are more likely than any other tribe to turn to TV adverts for inspiration, with almost a quarter (24%) saying they do this
● Savvy Fashionistas: Earning less than they’d like to, this tribe regularly seek inspiration online and look for hacks to help get the best products and deals.
○ Most likely to buy more from brands and retailers that offer promotions and deals (45%) and that have a wide range of products available (45%)
○ They’re also most likely to consider it important for brands or retailers to offer flexible payment options (36%) — which encourage them to shop regularly (33%) and buy more (35%)
● Conscious Consumers: Less focused on hitting life’s traditional milestones and living by the system, this tribe seeks fulfilment in pursuits like learning and discovery and shop as sustainably as they can.
○ The only tribe to rely more on brand or retailer websites for inspiration than family or friends, with 36% ranking them as a top source — perhaps due to a need to validate information themselves
○ Trustworthiness and a good reputation are more likely to encourage Conscious Consumers to shop regularly with a brand or retailer — with 42% reporting this effect — more than any other tribe
Commenting on the research, Klarna country head Fran Ereira said retailers must continue to embrace changing patterns.
“Last year’s events have transformed the way we browse and buy, reinventing our relationships with brands and retailers and accelerating change at an unprecedented rate. Merchants must keep a finger on the pulse of their customers’ wants and needs and adapt their products and service offers accordingly to build a connection with shoppers to drive loyalty and, ultimately, sales.”