Even frequent internet shoppers eschew ordering groceries online
NACS Online
Most U.S. shoppers prefer going to the supermarket than ordering groceries online, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds, Reuters reports. That survey calls into question just how much Amazon’s buying Whole Foods would change the grocery channel.
The poll found that 75% of online shoppers said they rarely or never buy groceries online. Even the majority of those who frequently buy online (nearly 60%) said they either don’t purchase groceries online or only do it a few times annually. The survey also discovered that about 60% of adults said their local grocery store came out ahead on convenience, price, quality and selection.
However, the Food Marketing Institute and Nielsen both predict that U.S. online grocery sales will blossom from $20.5 billion (4% overall) last year to $100 billion (20% overall) by 2025. Amazon has been working on enlarging its online grocery slice for years without much progress, which appears to indicate that “brick and mortar is not dead yet,” according to Roger Davidson, a grocery consultant.
But attitudes about shopping for lettuce and apples online will likely change. “The fact that few people want online grocery shopping now doesn’t mean they won’t want it tomorrow,” said Andrew Wolf, an analyst with Loop Capital.
Meanwhile, Walmart is offering SNAP recipients in certain markets the option of ordering online groceries. The discount retailer announced earlier this month it would be doubling down on its grocery offerings.
