If it seems like everyday your life is growing increasingly hectic, you’re not alone. Access to seemingly endless information and fingertip access to anything and everything has added convenience to our already busy lives while simultaneously creating a perception that we can do even more with our waking hours. As a result, global consumers are actively seeking ways to keep pace with an accelerated lifestyle, according to Nielsen’s new ‘Quest for Convenience’ report.

 

Shortcuts and automation are top of mind as we chase ways to overcome everyday obstacles to effortless living. For fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, the task at hand involves adapting and enhancing their solutions to do more than keep pace – actually staying ahead of the pace by understanding how consumer demand will change and what solutions will help.

 

Adapting to ‘needs-based’ trips

 

When it comes to convenience, retail concepts are among the most referenced, especially small, physical store formats and the growing e-commerce environment. But the perception of convenience isn’t limited to a specific store format or virtual aisle. Consumer shopper missions are shaping the retail landscape. Nielsen’s global retail growth strategies survey found that 46 per cent of consumers view shopping as a chore; and it’s no wonder, with consumers coping with busy lifestyles, commuting times and smaller living spaces.

 

As a consequence, consumers are replacing stock-up grocery shopping trips with smaller, more frequent needs-based trips. In fact, 10 per cent of shoppers claim they buy just for the meal they plan to have on that specific day. This trend highlights a need for offline channels to adapt to consumers’ desire for immediate, need-based replenishment options.

 

Smaller stores post higher growth

 

Physical stores in the FMCG space will most certainly not cease to exist, but bigger stores won’t necessarily be better in the longer term, as they can be farther away and their footprints can make their aisles less convenient to navigate for quick trips. Comparatively, stores located along busy traffic routes that provide efficient in/out passage and click-and-collect offerings will continue to grow in popularity. In fact, Nielsen is already seeing this play out in some regions.

 

However, across all regions, smaller stores are posting higher growth than larger ones. Nielsen Retail Measurement Services data highlights that smaller stores now account for 25 per cent of FMCG sales and 70 per cent of shopping trips – evidence than branded or independent, small stores are well placed to tap into shoppers’ convenience needs.

 

“There is a lot of speculation that FMCG development will be exclusively in the online space as the demand for convenience pulls consumers toward e-commerce. Many view the growth of non-physical channels as bad news for bricks and mortar formats, but I see opportunities,” said Peter Gale, Managing Director, Nielsen Retailer Services South East Asia. “Convenience solutions can greatly enhance physical retailing – think cashless and automated payments, grab-and-go products, and click-and-collect. There will always be demand for physical stores, although in the evolving retail landscape, FMCG players will need omni-channel presence.”

 

The purchase cycle of today’s consumers

 

So what does the purchase cycle look like for today’s consumers? Here’s a snapshot.

 

While physical stores aren’t going anywhere, there’s no doubt that digital technology, connectivity and online retailing are steadily influencing the need for omni-channel experiences. Even in areas where online shopping has not been well adopted to date – such as in fresh food shopping – the tides are shifting. For example, Nielsen’s Global E-Commerce Study found that 26 per cent of consumers have bought fresh groceries online – up 15 per cent from 2016.

 

But regardless of whether they’re shopping online or offline, consumers are seeking a more efficient and enjoyable experience. Large, small and virtual stores need to be infused with positive sensory encounters, relevant services, and technological capabilities that provide ease, utility and simplicity.

 

A growing role for AI, AR and VR 

 

Eliminating mundane shopping actions with programmatic functions, automated lists and subscriptions that utilises artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality as well as other technologies, are the way forward. Technologies clearly have a vital and growing role in enhancing more convenient shopping experiences. They can help provide in-store, store-on-the-go and store-at-home experiences tailored to unique shopper preferences, delivered directly to their door or ready for collection.

 

Omni-channel and online shopping has opened up doors to global brands and provides consumers with endless – sometimes overwhelming – product choices. Retailers and manufacturers that can integrate individual consumer learning will be well-placed to provide easier, more relevant and more personalised shopping experiences.

 

For additional insight, download Nielsen’s ‘Quest for Convenience’ report: http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/reports/2018/the-quest-for-convenience.html