Yocuda research: convenience and sustainability key as many fashion shoppers now opt for digital receipts in-store

Research from Yocuda shows that digital receipts are quickly becoming the preferred choice for fashion shoppers, with 76% opting for them when offered in-store.

Its survey of 1,015 UK consumers also reveals that this shift is being driven first and foremost by practicality. 52% of shoppers cite convenience as the main reason for choosing digital. 48% value easier storage, access, and returns. 61% say they are less likely to lose a digital receipt.

69% of shoppers have lost a paper receipt and later needed it for a return or exchange, leading to frustration and inconvenience. In an industry where returns are part of the experience, removing friction at this stage is becoming essential.

Today’s fashion shopper expects a seamless experience across channels - and that includes what happens after the purchase. 64% of fashion shoppers expect retailers to personalise offers based on shopping history. 55% are more likely to shop with brands that do. This rises to 73% among frequent in-store shoppers Digital receipts are increasingly seen as the bridge between in-store and digital engagement - turning a transaction into an ongoing relationship.

Fashion shoppers now hold an average of four loyalty cards, and expectations are rising. 79% want a digital receipt every time they use their loyalty card. This signals a clear opportunity for retailers to integrate receipts directly into their loyalty strategy - creating a more connected and rewarding customer experience.

Sustainability is also now influencing customer behaviour at the checkout: 70% believe digital receipts reduce environmental impact; 72% say a retailer’s sustainability policy matters to them; 64% think automatically printing receipts is wasteful. 81% of shoppers would be more likely to choose a digital receipt if they knew that 25 million trees are cut down each year to produce paper receipts globally.

Implementation also matters. Shoppers highlighted simple ways retailers can encourage adoption: 48% want QR codes for instant access on their phone; 43% want easy entry of email or phone details; 42% want reassurance that their data won’t be used for marketing.

With 87% of shoppers expecting fewer or no paper receipts within five years, the direction of travel is unmistakable. Digital receipts are no longer just a functional upgrade; they are becoming a key touchpoint for customer identification, post-purchase engagement, personalisation and sustainability.

Ed Drax, MD at Yocuda, comments: “Physical retail within the fashion sector today is all about the experience, not just while in the store but at the checkout and after you’ve left. What we’re seeing from this research and among our clients is a clear shift in customer expectations. Shoppers want convenience, but they also want connection, personalisation, and more sustainable choices. Digital receipts sit right at the intersection of all three, turning what was once a simple transaction into an opportunity to build a longer-term relationship. Paper receipts are quickly becoming outdated in a world where everything else in retail has moved on.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Fashion retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.