76% of consumers are satisfied with the convenience offered on the high street, but eight in ten want greater variety of stores and more local retailers, according to new research published by Deloitte.
The survey, which focused on the key opportunities and challenges facing consumer businesses operating on the high street also found that 60% are satisfied with the choice and selection of stores while 72% are satisfied with the safety of the high street.
The report demonstrates how the dynamic of the retail market has changed in recent years, with the high street experiencing increased competition from out-of-town retail parks, and the growth in online shopping. In addition to these competitive pressures, high street retailers have also been squeezed in recent years by declining sales volumes, coupled with onerous long-term leases with upward only rent reviews.
Kevin Sheehan, Head of Consumer Business for Deloitte Ireland, commented: “Consumers in today’s market have more sophisticated expectations of product, service, value and environment when compared to five years ago.” He said that technology has enabled consumers to take control of their shopping experience.
“High street retailers, through the integration of certain technology solutions in store, can combat some of the competitive pressures enforced by online retailers and use the advances in technology to help reshape their business,” Sheehan said.
The three areas consumers said that they were most dissatisfied with included parking facilities – as identified by 49% of respondents, followed by access to free internet services including WiFi (39%) and the number of public places including squares and public sitting areas (38%).
The survey was carried out by Amárach as part of an omnibus survey with a total sample of 1,002 people between March 17-21 2014.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
