More Consumers Buy or Research Fitness Equipment Online
In a recent issue of SGB there was an article, "The Web's Direct Effect on Consumers."
It dealt with the impact on the internet in buying decisions regarding fitness equipment, and also appareal and footwear. Approximately 45% of those surveyed said they bought fitness related products over the Internet. That was a 7% increase in one year. A remarkable 78% said they used the Internet to research products before they bought them.
Here are the reasons people bought online and the percentages:
Price - 80%
Convenience - 52%
Selection -39%
The Internet is becoming the virtual retailer of choice, and you can expect the numbers to grow in an economy where driving is so expensive, and price is such a major issue.
This does not mean the end of brick and mortar retailers. It just means they need to adjust their model to accommodate those going online to search. They need to connect with local customers online, and also offer the convenience of purchasing online. However, there will alway be a need to satisfy the customer that wants to test drive and try on the product, and also wants immediate satisfication.
Regards,
Fred Waters
