Conscious consumerism accelerated by coronavirus outbreak

42% of UK consumers would shop more with a retailer that offered low carbon deliveries or offered to offset the carbon cost of its deliveries, according to research from RetailEXPO.

2,000 Brits were surveyed. A further 20% said they would pay more for greener deliveries. 45% had a greater affinity with brands and retailers who were committed to sustainability initiatives.

Local heroes

As non essential retailers return to action this week, 54% stated there would always be a role for physical retail. 49% wanted to see more independent retail businesses and 27% would be more likely to visit a high street if it felt like more of a community.

Speaking at RetailEXPO’s recent Virtual Conference, ex-Waitrose MD, Lord Mark Price, observed: “We have come to value local businesses during this time, so I think there is something really powerful about local, local producers and being local to your community. Not feeling like you are a mass brand, but feeling like you are tied to a community and can serve local need,” he said.

“I am very optimistic about the future of the high street. I think it will be reengineered around local businesses that have got a global offer through an internet offering,” he added. 

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