Retail is changing before our eyes. Most consumers prefer to shop online vs. in retail stores, especially younger consumers. But subscription services, newer platforms, and immersive technologies are changing how they do it. Forward-thinking retailers willing to embrace new technologies and reimagine online shopping can better serve the needs of brands and consumers.

In order to better understand the shifting retail landscape, Infinite Reality conducted exploratory proprietary research around shopping attitudes, behaviors and pain points in 2024. 

Report highlights:

Most consumers (and especially younger consumers) prefer shopping online to brick-and-mortar. Ecommerce’s biggest advantages are convenience and quickly comparing prices and products across retailers. 

Consumers believe their online shopping experience could improve with more advanced filtering/sorting tools, clearer and easier-to-find specs and descriptions, and more reviews from real people.

As augmented/mixed reality technology becomes an increasingly common part of the shopping experience, this creates opportunities for retailers to win with their customers. 

Consumers also report that they are comfortable using an immersive shopping experience where they can virtually interact with products.