Whilst women may normally be perceived as shopaholics, new research from leading CPA network, Rakuten LinkShare, shows that men spend over three quarters of their average annual online spend on fashion.
Ofcom estimates that UK consumers spend an average of £1,083 each year online*, and Rakuten LinkShare’s research reveals that nearly one in four 26-35 year old men spends at least £900 per year on clothing online (24%), the equivalent of 83 percent of their annual online spend.
British men are bypassing the high street
Highlighting the importance of mobile and digital channels, findings also reveal that only 8% of young men in the UK prefer to shop for fashion on the high street and this year they will be looking to purchase from fashion brands online. In fact, over half of men surveyed (61%) would be disappointed if a luxury brand did not have an online offering.
Manly mobile apps
Findings also reveal this digitally savvy generation of male shoppers use mobile apps to support their purchase decisions, with over half having dedicated shopping apps installed on their handsets. Cash-back apps were most popular, with over a quarter of men under the age of 45 using one. A fifth (20%) of men aged 18-35 have a barcode scanner app, supporting the growing trend for showrooming, where shoppers research in store and make a final purchase online. Nearly a fifth of men in this age bracket also use dedicated shop apps from specific brands (16%) and nearly one in five 26-35 year olds use QR code apps (19%).
Male shoppers search the web looking for good value
It’s not just apps influencing purchases either, voucher codes offering discounts are also hugely popular with young male shoppers, over half of them state vouchers are an incentive to buy. Free delivery is also a huge driver, with nearly a quarter of shoppers saying that paying for postage and packaging is their biggest bugbear. In fact, a significant 42 percent of young men state that they would be encouraged to buy if targeted with an ad that gave free delivery or a discount.
Younger shoppers are looking for guidance in their fashion choices
With more choice online than ever before, younger male shoppers in the 18-25 age bracket are also looking for guidance when they reach a brand’s website on what to buy. Nearly half of young men admit they feel overwhelmed and don’t know what suits them when shopping online (48%). As ever, friends and family continue to be a major influence with 36 percent of 18-25 year olds actively seeking peer and family opinions before purchasing. In fact over a fifth (21%) look to social networks for inspiration and one in five young shoppers use lifestyle blogs to learn about the latest fashions.
A timely offer appeals to young shoppers
Research shows there is a huge opportunity for brands to incentivise purchases with this audience, over a third of 18-25 year olds browse regularly online and would be tempted to buy if presented with a timely offer. Furthermore these shoppers are more likely than any other age group to buy based on their previous purchases (16%) and are more influenced by product reviews than other age groups (8%). As a result, research suggests that engaging with this group directly and highlighting products that may appeal could be a powerful trigger to purchase.
Mark Haviland, MD of leading CPA network, Rakuten LinkShare commented: “Men’s fashion online is big business and brands shouldn’t underestimate the power of the digital channel to influence this market. Men have cash to splash online and their smartphones and apps are an essential part of this retail journey. By adapting to an omnichannel strategy, fashion brands have a far greater chance to make an impact and drive sales with this key audience.”
Methodology
Rakuten LinkShare surveyed 1,000 British male consumers on their fashion style and shopping habits. The data was collected by Redshift Research in March 2013.
Source: www.linkshare.co.uk.
http://global.rakuten.com/group.
