XPO Logistics Surveys in US and UK Show Consumers Turn to Home Improvement during COVID-19

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XPO Logistics, a top ten global provider of supply chain solutions, has released recent survey data from the US and the UK showing consumer trends during COVID-19 through May. Notably, results indicate that 55% of respondents in the US and 56% in the UK worked on a DIY home improvement project during the pandemic. XPO is a major provider of freight transportation services to the DIY sector, where many retailers use omnichannel strategies to capture in-store and online sales.

Omnichannel models are a secular trend in the retail industry. More than 50% of XPO’s survey respondents indicated that proper social distancing and cleaning would encourage them to shop in stores again. At the same time, a majority said they will likely continue buying a range of products online after the pandemic, including appliances and other large items.

“Retailers who already have a digital strategy in place, with or without a brick-and-mortar channel, are in the best position to take advantage of the shift toward e-commerce,” noted Gavin Williams, managing director, supply chain – UK and Ireland. “Ultimately, consumers determine the optimal mix of channels. We deliver a superior retail experience by analysing demand and engineering our logistics processes accordingly.”

The surveys were conducted by independent research firm Statista from May 20-28, 2020. The results reflect responses from adults in the US and the UK, age 18 and older.

A report on the data is available here.