Are you catering to your shoppers?

‘Tis the season for thoughts of shopping.   The flavor of those thoughts is probably dependent on whether you're the shopper or the store owner making money from the shoppers!

But, if you own a retail establishment, you’ve probably noticed that men and women shop differently.  But have you designed your store to cater and allow for these differences?

Truths about men shoppers:

• Men equally rarely ask for the department they want in a store. They'd rather wander around lost and leave if they can't find it. 
• If a man tries something on, he’ll buy it 65% of the time.
• Only 25% of men will grocery shop with a list, as opposed to 70% of women.

Here’s how women shop:

• If a woman tries something on, she’ll buy it 25% of the time. (Remember, men were at 65%)
• At the supermarket, over 90% of women brought a shopping list.
• Women particularly hate being jostled from behind and may leave a store without buying if aisles are too narrow.

How could you adjust for or support these shopping truths?  What amenities could you add that would enhance your shopper’s experience?

Want to know more?  Check out Paco Underhill’s Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping.  It’s packed with insights and research that will help you understand your shoppers better.  And it's just been updated to include online shopping and other more recent shifts.  (available as of December 30th but you can pre-order now.)