Silver surfers biggest online grocery shoppers

Nov. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Whilst many would pin online grocery shopping as the saviour of working professionals, it appears that ‘silver surfers’ are ahead of the crowds when it comes to purchasing the weekly shop online.

New research from www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, the UK’s leading discount website, has revealed that one in five, 21% of over 60’s claim to do their weekly grocery shop online; as opposed to just 15% of under 60’s who do the same.

The study was carried out by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk in order to research the online shopping habits of consumers, given the website’s affiliation with a number of large grocery retailers. 1,793 men and women aged 18 and over subsequently took part in the study, answering questions surrounding their use of online grocery portals.

Respondents to the study were initially asked, “Do you do your weekly grocery shop online?” with 21% of those over 60 years of age taking part in the study answering “yes.” In contrast, just under one in seven, 15%, of those under 60 taking part stated that they did the same.

Of the 21% of over-60s who admitted to doing their weekly shop online, the majority, 57%, explained that they did so as it was ‘easier than going to the shop;’ as opposed to a quarter, 22%, who explained that they could not independently get themselves to a supermarket. One in ten, 9%, explained that they ordered online as they were unable to leave their home for health reasons.

Furthermore, three quarters, 67%, of the over-60s taking part in the study who do their weekly shop online claimed to do all the ordering themselves, independent of help. Just one in five, 19%, admitted to having to get someone else to do the ordering for them; with the remaining 14% explaining that they place the order themselves with the help of a friend.

Of the 15% of under-60s who order their groceries online, over half, 54%, explained that they do so as they ‘do not have time’ to visit the supermarket; whilst a quarter, 24%, explained that they ‘found it easier’ than shopping in-store.

Mark Pearson, chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, commented on the findings:

“With this research we really wanted to look into how many people use the internet to do their weekly shop, and the main reasons for doing so. It was inarguably surprising to discover that the over-60’s, or so-called ‘silver surfers’, were the largest users of online grocery portals; as it  certainly quashes the reputation they often have for not being internet-savvy.

He continued:

“When looking into the reasons why the over-60s shop for their groceries online, it certainly did make sense that many choose to do so from a lifestyle point of view. Many labelled shopping online as ‘easier’ than visiting a store, as well as others who were not independently mobile. Using online grocery portals certainly solves a large problem for those unable to easily take a trip to the supermarket, as well as those seeking to save a little time. Even if you can’t do the ordering yourself, it is just as easy for a friend or relative to do so for you; providing they are as internet savvy as some of the over-60’s we polled!”

ENDS

LINK: http://www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk .

Mark Pearson, Chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk is a regular media contributor regarding online shopping and the credit crunch. At 29, his personal worth is more than £30 million. Mark was previously a trainee chef working for Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, London.

MyVoucherCodes has had sales exceeding £481m in the last year

Consumer savings on online shopping via MyVoucherCodes.co.uk up from £28m in 2008 to £52m in 2009.

MyVoucherCodes is the UK’s most popular discount site.