UK shoppers still eco-focused despite tough times - Amex report

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Nov 11, 2022

Despite the worsening economic climate, sustainability remains a priority for many British consumers when they’re shopping, according to new research from American Express.

A survey of 2,000 UK consumers showed 65% think about the environmental impact of the goods they buy when shopping, while 41% say they prefer to shop locally rather than online, reducing the carbon footprint associated with digital deliveries.

As well as shifting their shopping closer to home, consumers are also increasingly discerning about where they buy. Some 63% said they would only shop with a retailer offering sustainable delivery options. The vast majority (91%) agree that sustainable packaging, doing social good, and a brand’s ethical reputation are all important when deciding who to spend with.

Meanwhile, 32% would spend more on an item that had better environmental credentials, jumping to 45% among 18-34 year-olds. A similar proportion (30%) of shoppers said that if the cost-of-living crisis wasn’t impacting their day-to-day spend, they’d be more inclined to shop sustainably.

Elsewhere, 64% say they now prefer to shop with second-hand retailers, whether it’s in-store or online, while 41% say that an ‘end-of-line’ scheme to help them recycle goods would make them short more regularly, or spend more with a retailer. 

Daniel Edelman, VP and UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Our research shows that despite the current challenges, sustainability remains important to shoppers. However, as consumers become increasingly selective about where to spend and what they buy, merchants need to scrutinise their own sustainability strategy and how best to communicate that effectively to customers.”