More than half of those surveyed (54 per cent) said shelf availability has deteriorated since tensions in the Middle East escalated in February. The findings come as disruption to major shipping routes continues to affect the movement of goods, with around £92 billion (~$124.2 billion) worth of shipping assets delayed.
According to the survey, 69 per cent of shoppers believe current product shortages are a consequence of supply chain disruption linked to the Middle East conflict. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) expect grocery stockouts to increase if shipping disruptions continue. In addition, 62 per cent pointed to sanctions and trade restrictions as factors reducing the availability of certain products, while 49 per cent cited climate change as another contributor.
Consumers also indicated that retailers need to maintain the availability of key products despite ongoing supply chain challenges. Around 77 per cent expect supermarkets to keep essential everyday goods in stock, while 74 per cent want retailers to provide appropriate substitute products whenever items are unavailable.
The research found that repeated stock shortages are influencing purchasing behaviour. About 27 per cent of shoppers said shelf gaps make them reconsider their loyalty to a supermarket, with that figure increasing to 46 per cent among Gen Z consumers and 39 per cent among Millennials. Meanwhile, 41 per cent said they would shop elsewhere if products were unavailable.
Fashion retailers face similar risks. Around 30 per cent of respondents said stockouts reduce their loyalty to a brand, while an equal share would buy from competing retailers instead. Some 42 per cent said they would turn to online marketplaces, and 45 per cent would search resale platforms such as Vinted for the same item. Among Millennials, that proportion rises to 64 per cent.
“While shoppers understand – and in many cases are sympathetic to – the supply chain challenges retailers are facing at macro-level, their expectations remain unchanged: products need to be available at the right time, in the right place and through the channel they prefer,” said Lukas Fischer, sales director at invent ai. “When items aren’t available, shoppers won’t hesitate to switch retailers, brands or channels.”
“In a trading environment where disruption and complexity are now the norm rather than the exception, retailers need to move beyond reactive inventory management and build greater agility, visibility and responsiveness into their planning processes to protect sales and strengthen long-term customer relationships,” Fischer concluded.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
