Survey: Consumers prefer in-store shopping to prepare for extreme weather events

During extreme weather events, 35% of consumers are likely to switch to large national chain stores for better stock availability.

In-store shopping trumps online when consumers prepare for hurricanes, heatwaves, severe storms and the other extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent across the country. 

More than half (53%) of consumers choose in-store shopping to prepare for extreme weather, while 15% prefer online shopping with home delivery for convenience and to avoid crowds, survey by Relex Solutions. But while consumers head to stores to prepare, only one-third of consumers feel satisfied with retailer preparedness.

In other findings, during extreme weather events, 35% of consumers are likely to switch to large national chain stores for better stock availability. Twenty-three percent  do not typically switch retailers, presenting an opportunity for smaller stores to build loyalty through reliable service, noted Relex.

More highlights from the survey are below.

•The Mid-Atlantic region (i.e., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) shows the highest preparedness for extreme weather, with 53% keeping larger stocks of essentials and also has the highest percentage (57%) of people shopping more frequently to avoid shortages.  The West North Central region (i.e., Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) shows the lowest with 30%.