Bay shoppers make fewer online buys

Toys, clothing and books are some of the things Western Bay residents buy over the internet but local shoppers are not as keen as some Kiwis to spend their money online.

A recent survey, commissioned by Lassoo Media and PR, looked into the online shopping habits of more that 1000 Kiwis during July and August this year and found people in the Bay of Plenty were more reluctant to buy over the internet than the rest of the country.

The research found about three-quarters of the people surveyed had made a recent online purchase, with women being more comfortable indulging in retail therapy over the internet. Men were more likely to buy more expensive items than females, the survey found.

Footwear and clothing were the most popular purchase items for females, while men preferred to spend money on appliances or electronics.

On the Bay of Plenty Times Facebook page, Tauranga mum Alesha Manaton said she bought items for her son online, such as toys and clothes. "The other half thinks I have an addiction," she said.

Downtown Tauranga manager Kirby Weis said only a small percentage of people in New Zealand shopped online - about 5 per cent - and the majority of consumers preferred to shop in person. "I don't think it's a big threat for businesses but businesses need to be aware of it.

"Being multi-channelled is not a bad thing," he said.

"Businesses need to look at how they can complement their businesses while focussing on what can't be bought online, and that's service and being able to touch the product and really know what you're buying.

"I prefer to see, touch and feel exactly what I'm buying."

New Zealand Retailers Association spokeswoman Louise Evans McDonald said she thought the Bay of Plenty was in a similar situation to the rest of the country in that while online shopping was growing, it was still only a small portion of retail sales.

"The other thing to consider is the highest amount of spending online tends to be in travel and accommodation."

Lassoo director Anna St George said results revealed more people were shopping online and detailed how often they did so and what sort of items they bought.

"Currently most purchases online (about 70 per cent) are valued at under $100 but, interestingly, 10 per cent of men have spent more than $400 on a single purchase on the net whereas only 4 per cent of women have." with APN