Consumers' preference for e-commerce here to stay: survey

47% of respondents said that they visit retailers less.

The digitalisation of consumer behaviour shows no sign of slowing as 73% of people said they would continue shopping online for the next six months, according to a recent survey from experience management firm Qualtrics.

The survey, conducted to over 300 people, revealed that more than half (57%) have purchased more online and have used online banking. Shopping for groceries online (44%) has also increased.

In contrast, 47% of the respondents said they visit retailers less.

Whilst 56% said they prefer to pick up their orders in the restaurant rather than dining in, 58% see themselves eating at a restaurant in the next six months.

61% of the respondents also said that they would likely use public transport in the next six months. However, more than 60% said they would not travel by air.

The number of Singaporeans expecting COVID-19 to affect their everyday lives for more than a year has also doubled to 37% from May 2020.

“Even though Singaporeans are beginning to go back to some previous habits, high levels of ambiguity remain, meaning businesses must be able to understand and quickly respond to changing environments,” Qualtrics Southeast Asia head of CX solutions strategy Harish Agarwal said.