Many UK consumers likely to reduce or stop shopping online due to cyberattack concerns, GlobalData

Concerns around cybersecurity are prompting a shift in online shopping behaviour, particularly among younger consumers in the UK. With one third of 16-34s considering cutting back or stopping online purchases, retailers face rising pressure to reinforce digital trust. This is especially the case for pureplays, which cannot redirect sceptical consumers to stores, according to GlobalData.

Emily Salter, Lead Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “However, the convenience and choice associated with the online channel will still trump security concerns for most consumers. This is potentially more important to older shoppers who have children and greater pressures on their time, or less ability to visit stores as they age. Younger shoppers also place more emphasis on experiential shopping, so this combined with security concerns could push more consumers to stores.”

GlobalData’s UK monthly survey (involving 2,000 people) reveals 69.3% of consumers are worried about their personal security because of recent cyberattacks, with 79.3% of 25-34s feeling the most concerned about this issue.

As well as the immediate impact on sales and profits, which could be due to stock issues or having to shut down a website, the press coverage of cyberattacks raises a more long-term issue of consumer trust in retailers’ online platforms.

Salter concludes: “Younger consumers are more concerned about retailers storing their payment details, and think that they are not doing enough to protect their private information when shopping online. Paying with mobile wallets and third-party providers such as Apple Pay and PayPal is a way that consumers can avoid having to give their payment details directly to retailers. These payment methods are especially popular among under 35s. To allow this, retailers must ensure their websites and apps are compatible with these methods.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Cybersecurity will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in April, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.