Brits spending £3.1bn on impulse purchases each month

A new study conducted by delivery management company Whistl has found that 91% of British public admit to making “impulse purchases” every month. “From adding to their wardrobe to filling up their fridge,” said Whistl, “the average person spends £47.84 on spontaneous buys every single month – meaning as a nation we’re spending up to £37bn on these types of purchases over the course of a year.”

Over half (59%) of the shoppers surveyed said it is on their trips to the supermarket that they are adding the most extras to their baskets.

Online retailers including Amazon and eBay were named as the next best places to go to indulge.

“Over a third (39%) of Brits admitting late night browsing online leads them to these types of purchases and 24% said having a drink got them pressing buy now,” commented Whistl. “Others claimed a special offer makes them more likely to buy on impulse.”

Interestingly, not all of these impulse buyers were bitten with the “Buy it now, want it now!” bug.  According to Whistl: “When it comes to the delivery time, some impulse buyers aren’t as eager as they first appear with over a quarter (28%) of those surveyed saying they are happy to wait a week for their impulse buys. However, a third are not so patient and are only willing to wait two to three days to receive their purchases.”

Melanie Darvall, Director of Marketing & Communications at Whistl, commented: “Today, more and more Brits are used to being able to get hold of anything they want or need at the touch of a button. From adding an extra bottle of wine to your basket at the supermarket to splashing out on a new pair of heels that are 30% off ‘just because’. These types of purchases can soon add up but it’s great to see so many shoppers being savvy when it comes to getting the best prices and quickest delivery.

“Impulse buying has always played a key role in the retail mix and with the rise of online shopping, retailers must offer a seamless experience with easy navigation, fast payment and a choice of delivery options.”

According to Whistl’s research, the top five items that are bought on impulse each month include:

  1. Clothes (56%)
  2. Food and drink (49%)
  3. Home accessories (34%)
  4. Shoes (27%)
  5. Jewellery (22%)

More information about the survey is available at: http://www.whistl.co.uk/news/brits-spend-over-3-billion-on-impulse-buys-every-month/

 

 

 

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