Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, sustainability remains a top priority for many UK consumers when they’re shopping, according to a new report from American Express.
The research reveals that 65% of UK consumers think about the environmental impact of the items they buy, while 41% say they prefer to shop locally rather than online, reducing the carbon footprint associated with digital deliveries.
As well as making the conscious effort to shop closer to home, consumers are also increasingly aware about where they buy from.
Some 63% said they would only shop with a retailer offering sustainable delivery options. In addition, 91% agree that sustainable packaging, doing social good, and a brand’s ethical reputation are all important when deciding who to spend with.
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Meanwhile, 32% would spend more on an item that had better environmental credentials, increasing to 45% among 18-34 year-olds.
In fact, 30% of shoppers also said that if the cost-of-living crisis wasn’t impacting their day-to-day spend, they’d be more inclined to shop sustainably.
A further 64% said they now prefer to shop from pre-loved retailers, whether in-store or online, while 41% said that an ‘end-of-line’ scheme to help them recycle goods would make them short more regularly, or spend more with a retailer.
“Our research shows that despite the current challenges, sustainability remains important to shoppers,” American Express VP and UK general manager, merchant services Daniel Edelman said.
“However, as consumers become increasingly selective about where to spend and what they buy, merchants need to scrutinise their own sustainability strategy and how best to communicate that effectively to customers.”
