Consumers still prefer to buy their groceries in store: report

Canadians still prefer to buy their groceries in-store, according to new research from Lightspeed.

The point-of-sale and e-commerce software provider’s 2024 State of Retail report found that brick and mortar stores remain relevant across all age demographics.

Sixty four per cent of Canadians reported doing most of their shopping in stores, with little variation across ages, gender or income level, Lightspeed said. (Compared to 55% of U.S. shoppers.)

Only one category reigned supreme for online shopping—books, toys and hobbies—while food and beverage topped the list for in-store purchases, along with alcohol.

Seventy four per cent of respondents agreed that shopping local was important to them, with 71% citing food and beverage as their number one priority for shopping local.

Shoppers over 55 showed the strongest affinity for shopping local food and beverage retail (80%), while the youngest shoppers are less motivated (59%)

Home and garden and wine and liquor come in a far second at 41% each.