What Today’s Shoppers Want and How to Meet Them There

Retail Store Space continues to play a critical role in how Australians shop. With rising living costs and increased competition, retailers must understand how customers move between online and physical channels. Early 2025 research shows that physical stores remain essential, and demand for flexible retail space and short-term activations continues to rise.

In Store vs Online: What Australians Really Prefer

Despite strong digital growth, most Australians still prefer shopping in-store for non-essential goods. Weekly in-person visits outperform online buying because stores offer:

• Immediate access
• The ability to test products
• Human support
• Confidence with returns

Shoppers want to avoid mistakes, and physical retail provides certainty.

How Retail Space Fits Changing Buying Behaviour

Nearly three-quarters of Australians have changed how they shop in the past year. Key trends include:

• Lower non-essential spending
• Careful price consideration
• Interest in more affordable alternatives
• Higher expectations of value

This has increased retailer interest in short-term hire and agile retail space solutions.

Why Physical Stores Still Influence Decisions

Shoppers rely on stores for:
• Reassurance through touch and testing
• Staff guidance
• Trust in stock accuracy
• Immediate solutions when returning items

At a time of cautious spending, in-store confidence matters.

What Determines Channel Choice

Customers choose in-store for higher value purchases, expert advice, and reliable stock.
They choose online for quick comparisons, convenience and bulk orders.

Promotions influence both equally but do not replace trust or clarity.

Research Before Purchase Is Now Standard

Nearly every shopper researches across several touchpoints before buying. They want:

• Honest product descriptions
• Clear stock availability
• Transparent returns
• Price comparisons
• Real reviews

Brands that provide accurate information everywhere convert more effectively.

Retail Store Space and Impulse Purchases in Physical Stores

Australians make twice as many unplanned purchases in-store. Key drivers include display setups, atmosphere, samples and staff recommendations. Short-term retail activations placed in high-traffic retail spaces amplify these behaviours.

Building a Smarter Omni-Channel Strategy

Shoppers expect one consistent journey. Understanding their mindsets helps:

Planners: seek clarity and dependable returns
Conditional spenders: respond to smooth experiences
Basket boosters: want convenience and speed

Matching your service to each mindset improves loyalty.

What Retailers Must Prioritize in 2026

• Smooth transitions between online research and store purchase
• Clear information across all channels
• Short-term hire to meet customers where they already shop
• Retail space that boosts impulse buying
• Personalised experiences based on shopper behaviour

Retailers that deliver confidence and convenience will stand out in 2026.

Bring Your Brand Closer to Customers with Spacenow

With flexible retail space hire and short-term retail options, Spacenow helps you activate your brand precisely where demand is strongest.