News UK research: Brits eager to return to high streets

The majority of UK consumers still prefer bricks and mortar over online shopping following coronavirus restrictions that saw the closure of non-essential retailers, according to research by News UK.

The media giant surveyed 709 readers of The Times readers and 476 The Sun readers.

It found that The Times and The Sunday Times’ readers and 65% of The Sun’s readers want to see products in person before making a purchase.

When asked about returning to non-essential retailers, one in three readers of The Sun and just under two in three readers of The Times and The Sunday Times said they plan to shop more in person than at the beginning of lockdown.

One area where online shopping has benefitted from the impact of Covid is e-commerce electrical purchasing, with 50% of The Times and The Sunday Times readers’ and 30% of The Sun’s readers revealing that they’ve permanently switched to buying items within this category online.

Meanwhile, almost eight in ten of those surveyed agreed that online shopping is having a negative impact on the high street and local communities.

Similarly, 79% stated that there will always be a role for the in-store experience and that the high street offers a sense of community.

87% of The Times and The Sunday Times’ readers are interested in seeing more independent shops on the high street whilst 70% of The Sun’s readers want more local markets.

Susie Powell, News UK’s Retail Director of Advertising Sales, says: “The research shows our readers’ strong desire to return to shopping in stores and it is striking how many want to see retailers looking to the future with optimism.”

“It is heartening that they believe there will always be a place for an in-store experience, so now is the time to give consumers exactly what they are looking for - an engaging and exciting retail environment.”