Getting back to the shops with Super Saver Jonathan
This week we hear from our super saver, Jonathan, on how he’s feeling as the high street opens back up.
Text:
Jonathan Watts
Published:
April 19th, 2021
This article has been written by PriceSpy’s Super Saver Jonathan Watts and approved by Milk & Honey. There are no paid links or other types of advertising collaborations.
Will you be heading back to physical shops in real life straightaway? Why (not)?
“Absolutely. I've spent more than enough time sitting indoors and browsing the internet over the last 12 months. I'll still do some research online ahead of going in-store, but I can't wait to do all the "normal" things that we haven't been able to do since March 2020.
“I've missed the feeling of finding something extraordinary tucked away in a corner of a charity shop or kilo sale. I also find that online advertising algorithms push you down extremely narrow alleys so browsing for nothing in particular is much more enjoyable in a physical store.”
How have your shopping habits changed in the last year?
“Thankfully, I haven't been laid off or furloughed at all. That's left me financially OK, with a lot less to spend my money on. I used to spend the lion's share of my disposable income on holidays, gigs, and festivals which have all been impossible for over a year now.
“Having more cash to play with month-to-month has definitely made me feel less guilty about spending on material things. I've bought a few swanky furniture items and tech products over the last few months and my flat is definitely nicer for it. I never thought I'd own a Roomba, but here we are.”
In the future, what do you think your shopping will look like?
“I don't think that I will have too many lasting habits that come out of lockdown. When I can start spending on my passions again, I will. That said, splashing out a bit more on higher-end products for around the house has definitely turned out well so I think I’ll keep that up.
As I said before, I won't be taking the world outside for granted any more. Even if I research and buy stuff online, I'll be doing a lot more click-and-collecting just as an excuse to get out of my flat!”
Ossie Bayram, country manager for PriceSpy UK
"Retailers have been eagerly anticipating the reopening of non-essential stores, as have those consumers, like Jonathan, who have missed the in-store experience.
“Since the start of the pandemic, however, it is clear that consumer behaviours have changed, potentially irreversibly. Increasing numbers of shoppers are doing more of their research and purchasing online and have grown used to the convenience and ease of it. We’ve seen a 33% user increase since March 2020.
"It's likely many of us will head to the shops for a change of scenery, but we expect to see shoppers making the most of hybrid services like Click & Collect. These allow consumers to shop on their terms, as opposed to paying shipping charges and working around delivery slots. However, whether this will provide the high street bounce back many are hoping remains unclear."
This article has been written by PriceSpy’s Super Saver Jonathan Watts and approved by Milk & Honey. There are no paid links or other types of advertising collaborations. Ellie Yeardye can be reached at [email protected].