Descartes' survey of 8,000 consumers in North America and Europe shows that young people aged 18 to 35 are the biggest contributor to the increase in online purchases. Compared to older age groups, they buy more often and more online in recent years.
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For Gen Z and young millennials, online shopping is now a standard part of their buying experience. 43 per cent of the young people surveyed said they increased their online orders compared to last year, while 18 per cent of the total consumer population actually buy less online. Almost half of young people (44 per cent) make an online purchase at least every fortnight, up from 33 per cent in 2024.
When buying online, young people value safety (77 per cent), track-and-trace capabilities (72 per cent) and delivery costs (71 per cent). In addition, the importance of sustainability is increasing: 40 per cent of young people prefer environmentally friendly delivery options, compared to 23 per cent among consumers aged 65 and older.
These figures show that the younger consumer group is not only responsible for much of the online growth, but also has clear expectations for convenience, transparency and sustainability in their purchases.
Source: Twinklemagazine
