A new Oracle Retail consumer research study demonstrates that shoppers are worried about supply chain and delivery delays, fearing they will disrupt the holidays.
As they consider current circumstances, 28% of respondents said they are anxious that the products they want will be more expensive due to the scarcity. What’s more, 27% worry they won’t be able to find desired products, 17% fret that friends and family will be disappointed when they don’t get the gift they want and 16% are concerned that favorite holiday treats, like pumpkin spice lattes, won’t be available.
As noted, delivery issues also are causing anxiety. So, 72% of respondents said they would have gifts delivered to their home, up from 64% in 2020, but 22% stated that they are concerned about shipping times and the possibility that order arrivals won’t meet expectations.
Given delivery concerns, it’s not surprising that 65% of respondents said granular tracking of delivery status is very important.
For many holiday shoppers, speed is of the essence, with 36% of survey respondents saying fast delivery determines where they place orders. Nine of 10 consumers expect same-day delivery, 28% 1 to 2-day delivery, and 41% 3 to 5-day delivery. As the holiday season approaches, 38% of consumers worry gifts will arrive later than anticipated, and 25% are concerned gifts won’t arrive at all. Almost two in 10, at 18%, are willing to pay more to ensure faster or guaranteed delivery. Adding injury to insult 32% of respondents said they fear that, even if the package finally gets to its destination, porch pirates may steal it
Failure to get deliveries on time will provoke outrage, 30% of respondents said, according to Oracle. Then again, 55% said or respondents said they are getting creative and are very likely or might use an on-demand service such as DoorDash.
“As we see in the news, the supply chain challenges are a global reality. Regardless, consumers will still measure retailers on their ability to deliver on their wish lists this holiday season,” said Mike Webster, svp and general manager, Oracle Retail.
