More than two thirds (68%) of consumers shop online at least once a month, and 28% do so at least once a week. Over the next few years, a number of new technologies are expected to emerge and change the way people browse and buy through the web. In a recent survey, Walker Sands spotlighted delivery drones and virtual reality.
Among the key findings, 66% of consumers said they expect to receive their first drone-delivered package within the next five years, according to the Walker Sands 2015 Future Of Retail Study. However, 36% of consumers actually expect their first drone delivery within the next two years.
The key value of drone delivery is that it empowers consumers to receive their packages quickly and efficiently. And consumers are recognizing this value. In fact, nearly 80% of consumers said they are willing to pay for drone delivery if their order arrived within the hour. Up to 32% of this group said they would pay at least $20. As far as delivery confidence, 88% of consumers noted that they would trust drones to deliver at least one type of product, with books (74%) and apparel (73%) being the most popular. Of the 12% of consumers who do not trust drone delivery at all, 74% cited safety concerns, with cost (69%) and privacy concerns (64%) also weighing heavily on their minds.
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For the study, Walker Sands surveyed more than 1,400 U.S. consumers regarding their online shopping behaviors over the past year, as well as their plans for future spending across channels.
Drone delivery is not the only technology expected to change the shopping experience. The upcoming launch of the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset, has encouraged retailers and consumers to imagine the more interactive e-Commerce journey. More than one third (35%) of consumers said they would shop more online if they could try products on virtually.
Nearly half (49%) of participants anticipate trying the Rift upon its release this month, while 32% said they would consider buying the product. Two out of three consumers said they would be interested in virtual shopping, with 63% noting that they expect virtual reality to change how they shop. Another 35% said the technology would encourage them to shop and buy more online.
