Men are always portrayed as uninterested and aloof when it comes to shopping. When they are sent to a mall they are clueless as a goldfish. But in real life, that’s not the case. Though, surveys have shown that more men prefer online shopping than in-retail store shopping.
Online shopping is relatively easier compared to other modes of shopping because there is no pressure. You can easily visit any website and look for any item at any time. Men usually have a direct shopping approach; this makes their shopping pattern very different from women who tend to have more of a browsing approach to shopping.
Now, let’s take a look at what are men’s real shopping habits.
What Do Men Want?
Most men tend to have a few staple items that they all have. Let’s take a look in their closet. Almost all men will have a pair of denim jeans, a black sweatshirt, and a men’s leather jacket. But even with these few commodities, there is a pattern. And we will access that pattern today.
- Money Conscious:
Menare more money conscious. They want a good deal. Unlike women’s branding, a huge company or any brand item is not something men would want to cater to. Men seek to seem more interested in finding the value of their money in the products they are buying. They tend to ask themselves if the product is really worth it or not.
This is an interesting juxtaposition as income surveys in the US have shown that though men tend to earn more than women, they still prefer a good deal over an expensive brand title. In fact, many surveys have shown that men tend to believe that most well-known brands are overpriced for the quality they are offering.
Now, this doesn’t mean that men overlook quality. The best deal that they can get under budget is what they are after. Of course, there are other factors as well such as the availability of products and the brand. A good example of quality with size availability is Leatheriza Affinity.
- Value conscious:
Another interesting take on this whole man vs women shopping habit is the preference of loyalty that men have over immediate discounts. You may have noticed how a lot of sports and car gear stores have loyalty cards. These loyalty options and rebates are there because the stores are aware that most of their attendance are men.
A few surveys have also shown that men tend to reach for loyalty rebates than seasonal discounts. Men are more likely to go to a store they trust rather than try something new. A store or brand they’ve heard good feedback about is their preference. A great example would be having friends compliment a leather jacket for men they just bought. This is how good words are put in for quality products.
- Online shopping:
Whilst online stores are easier to browse than retail stores for both sexes, surveys have shown that men are more inclined towards online shopping. Men and some women too tend to research beforehand and compare prices. This research is made easier when you are on phone.
But, once in the store, the research doesn’t end. Men have been analyzed to continue with their research in the store, looking for a better deal along with better quality. When it comes to garments, a great style and color, and size availability is all it takes. Looking for another reliable store to shop for clothes?
- Shopping Mall Design:
“Men buy, women shop” is a very concise put statement coined in a research paper analyzing the difference between the shopping habits of men and women. The paper has also signified that most malls and stores are designed to be appealing to the female gaze.
The walk-in isles in malls, that are constantly being shuffled are ideal to engage women to show them as many products as possible in small time. Since women naturally tend to browse, they end up buying more than they initially planned on buying. Men are different. They prefer to make a bee-line to their desired isle, get the product they came to buy, and leave.
What Do Men Shop?
There is also a vast difference among the categories of items that interest men versus women. A lot of women or woman-oriented items are disposable and/or short-lived. Baking, cooking, makeup, and woman hygiene products all are either low quality or disposable. There is also a prevalence of pink tax.
There is another angle to look at this. A lot of homely and grocery items are shopped by women, according to many surveys in the US. Men tend to stay away from shopping for such items. But, when men do shop for these items, they tend to spend more than women. Lack of awareness about these products is another factor as to how men end up spending more. Men’s leather jackets are their favorite as they boost both comfort and protection. Moreover, they offer beneficial deals to get a profit.
Hope you’ve enjoyed reading this! Best of luck with your shopping time.