Silver surfers embrace online shopping
Some 82% of over-65s in Switzerland buy goods online, preferring more expensive purchases such as electronic goods and furniture, according to a survey of retail habits by PwC Switzerland.
The so-called silver surfer retirees also actively search for the best deals on their mobile phones. Shoppers in the 55 to 64 age bracket are even more active online, with 91% of those surveyed saying that they regularly surf the internet to buy goods.
“Silver surfers are a particularly interesting target group [for retailers] because, unlike digital natives, they have more money,” PwC’s Alexandre Cherix said.
The survey also found differences in the online shopping habits of men and women. Men go online to buy goods more often (63% shop online at least once a month compared to 49% of women) and are less price conscious.
Fast delivery times are a priority for men whilst women desire a greater selection of goods and flexibility if they wanted to return products.
Overall, Swiss online shoppers seldom used their smart phones to order products but would use them for retail research.
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