Survey: In-store still most popular place for consumers

Shopping in-store is the most popular retail customer experience and a retailer having the right product in stock is a key need for consumers, according to the 2018 Global Consumer Survey from JDA Software and Centiro.

The survey, which polled 12,000 consumers worldwide, also reveals consumers want a variety of product to choose from and that no matter where a purchase is made, online search and browsing is the first step for the majority of those buying clothes, home good and electronics

"This notion that stores are dying or there is a 'retail apocalypse' is exaggerated. Instead, this is a time for a retail rebirth," said Lee Gill, group vice president, global retail strategy, JDA, said in a press release on the findings. "While the industry may refer to it as 'omni-channel' retailing, consumers across the globe no longer strongly distinguish between online and in-store channels."