Return to in-store grocery shopping is underway; consumers still stockpiling

Grocery shoppers are returning to stores.

While 48% of shoppers are currently hybrid shoppers, 33% are currently shopping for groceries in-store, suggesting a steady return to normalcy and increased comfort with in-store shopping, according to a survey by Inmar Intelligence.

“As vaccines become more widely available, it is natural that today’s shoppers choose to head back into the store as a part of their grocery shopping routine,” said Spencer Baird, executive VP and president of Inmar Intelligence's MarTech division. “Most consumers are familiar with an in-store shopping experience – browsing and discovering new products – and there are some products that shoppers prefer to buy in-store.”

Additionally, the survey found that 51% of shoppers are still looking to stockpile throughout 2021, adopting a longer-term “be prepared” mentality. Thirty-eight percent plan on stockpiling toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, food and alcohol. 

Moreover, the same survey found that the outlook for restaurants and bars is positive. As restaurants and bars begin to open back up, consumers are ready to dine out. Eighty-five percent of consumers plan to eat out more often, either inside or outside, showcasing this eagerness. 

“The survey found that as consumers head back to the physical store, they plan to continue stockpiling everyday items, indicating the importance of longer-term preparedness,” Baird said. “Retailers must prepare for this longer-term shift, not only in terms of stock, but also providing today’s hybrid shoppers with a seamless omnichannel experience across a variety of touchpoints. No matter the age, shoppers expect to receive personalization, convenience and cost savings during each of their grocery trips.”

Other survey highlights are below:

• A quarter (27%) of consumers plan on doing most of their grocery shopping in-store once they are fully vaccinated and 38% will be doing a combination of online and in-store shopping. 

• Despite the growing trend toward heading to physical stores to shop, online shopping is not going anywhere – 41% shoppers have ordered groceries online for delivery or pickup over the past six months.

• The greatest challenges that shoppers face with online delivery include delivery surcharges (18%), quality of groceries delivered (16%) and availability of delivery time slots (14%).