PFSweb and Arlington Research Compare How US and UK Consumers are Responding to COVID-19

Rhea-AI Summary

PFSweb (NASDAQ: PFSW) recently conducted surveys in the US and UK revealing significant consumer behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that 63% of US consumers purchased goods online that they hadn't considered before, compared to 39% in the UK. Additionally, 55% of US and 53% of UK consumers reported increased online shopping. Millennials are notably demanding, with 24% of US and 19% of UK respondents wanting same-day delivery. These insights underline the shift towards eCommerce and the need for retailers to adapt their fulfillment strategies.

Positive

• Increased online shopping: 55% of US and 53% of UK consumers have bought more products online during the pandemic.
• 63% of US consumers purchased online goods they had never considered before COVID-19, highlighting shifts in consumer behavior.

Negative

• None.

ALLEN, Texas, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to two recent consumer surveys conducted in the US and UK by Arlington Research and PFSweb’s (NASDAQ: PFSW) operations business unit, PFS, seven in ten consumers across both regions still expected delivery times within a week or less during the COVID-19 lockdown. The two studies offer insights into the similarities and differences in how US and UK consumers are responding to the pandemic.

Key findings from the PFS and Arlington Research studies:

• 63% of US consumers have bought goods online that they had not considered buying online before the pandemic, vs. 39% of UK consumers.
• 55% of consumers in the US and 53% in the UK have bought more products online during the pandemic.
• Millennials are the most demanding age group, with 24% in the US and 19% in the UK expecting delivery of online purchases within 24 hours or less.

Zach Thomann, EVP and PFS General Manager, commented, “These studies magnify the impact of the pandemic on retail, and reinforce the higher global order fulfillment volume we are experiencing. While there are some notable differences in how consumers in the two regions are responding, eCommerce is the clear way forward. Retailers should pursue alternative commerce solutions to provide a customer experience that meets expectations. PFS’ pop-up fulfillment center solutions and RetailConnect store fulfillment product are examples of how we are partnering with our clients to address the increased volume.”

Read a comparison of the two studies and learn more about PFS’ end-to-end eCommerce offering here.

About the Research
The UK study was conducted across March and April 2020 and the US study was conducted across April and May 2020. Both studies surveyed 2,000 adults aged 18+ in the respective regions. More information on each survey can be found on PFS’ US and UK blogs. Both studies were conducted by independent research firm, Arlington Research.

About PFSweb, Inc.
PFSweb (NASDAQ: PFSW) is a global commerce services company that manages the online customer shopping experience on behalf of major branded manufacturers and retailers. Across two business units – LiveArea for strategy consulting, creative design, digital marketing, and web development services, and PFS for order fulfillment, contact center, payment processing/fraud management, and order management services – they provide solutions to a broad range of Fortune 500® companies and household brand names such as Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal USA, ASICS, PANDORA, Ralph Lauren, Shiseido Americas, the United States Mint, and many more. PFSweb enables these brands to provide a more convenient and brand-centric online shopping experience through both traditional and online business channels. The company is headquartered in Allen, TX with additional locations around the globe. For more information, please visit www.pfsweb.com.

Media Relations:
Matthew Kaiserman
Media Frenzy Global
Tel 1-678-943-7408
matthew@mediafrenzyglobal.com

Investor Relations:
Sean Mansouri or Scott Liolios
Gateway Investor Relations
Tel 1-949-574-3860
PFSW@gatewayir.com

FAQ

What does the recent PFSweb survey reveal about online shopping trends during COVID-19?

The survey shows that 55% of US consumers and 53% of UK consumers increased their online shopping during the pandemic, with significant behavior shifts noted.

How did consumer delivery expectations change according to the PFSweb study?

The study found that 70% of consumers in both the US and UK expected delivery within a week or less during the pandemic.

What demographic showed the highest demand for faster delivery in the PFSweb survey?

Millennials exhibited the highest demand, with 24% in the US and 19% in the UK expecting delivery within 24 hours or less.

How did consumer online purchasing behavior differ between the US and UK according to PFSweb's findings?

63% of US consumers reported buying online goods they hadn't considered before COVID-19, compared to 39% of UK consumers, indicating a more significant shift in the US.