The bulk of Kiwis (79 per cent) are still looking to shop at local brick and mortar retailers this Christmas season. Photo /Christine Cornege
The bulk of Kiwis (79 per cent) are still looking to shop at local brick and mortar retailers this Christmas season. Photo /Christine Cornege
New Zealanders are becoming keen online shoppers but most are still opting for brick-and-mortar retailers in the lead up to Christmas.
Only 16 percent of shoppers have, or will be heading online to buy gifts this Christmas, a new survey on consumer shopping trends has revealed.
Many people prefer theconvenience of being able to dash down to the local shops, MasterCard country manager, Peter Chisnall said.
"Kiwis in general have really embraced online shopping, however it seems when it comes to buying Christmas gifts, the bulk of consumers still like to tread the pavements and select gifts in person," said Chisnall.
The research, commissioned by credit card company MasterCard, also found that kiwi consumers were influenced heavily by the 'ability for recourse with local retailers if something should go wrong,' as well as 'best price,' 'quality' and 'convenience,' when deciding where to purchase goods.
"Although its common place to hear kiwis bemoan the hustle and bustle of the shops at Christmas, for most of us the desire to actually see and examine the goods we are buying prior to purchase will trump the convenience of shopping from home," said Chisnall.
Top gifts we are buying this Christmas
Local stores - Food and wine - Clothing and accessories - Toys and sporting goods
Local online retailers - Gift vouchers - Books, DVDs and CDs - Electronics
International online retailers - Make-up - Jewellery and watches - Sportswear
