Ryder published its 11th annual benchmark study on US shopping behaviours, preferences, and expectations, offering actionable insights to help brands and retailers optimise omni-channel sales and supply chain strategies.
“It’s a challenging year for brands trying to forecast demand,” said Jeff Wolpov, SVP of Ryder E-commerce. “Still, one of the best ways to prepare for upcoming seasons is to reflect on insights gained from the previous ones. Our study identifies patterns and trends in purchasing, packaging, shipping, and returns to help guide strategy.”
To offset inflation, 48 per cent of consumers report more comparison shopping throughout the year, surpassing the 43 per cent who report buying less. Comparatively, in 2024 buying less was reported more frequently than comparison shopping. For holiday purchases, 75 per cent reported comparison shopping in 2024.
Scheduled delivery (choosing a specific date) nearly doubled in importance since 2023, up 15 per cent, when compared to fast shipping, down 15 per cent. Yet urgency remained a factor during the 2024 holiday season, as 29 per cent of shoppers reported utilising in-store pickup because it was faster than standard delivery. And 54 per cent of consumers prefer in-store returns year-round, a trend that emerged in Ryder’s 2024 study.
While 45 per cent reported shopping more online during the 2024 holiday season compared to 2023, 25 per cent reported the opposite. For the 2025 holiday season, 74 per cent plan to shop in-store, 73 per cent on e-commerce marketplaces, 70 per cent on store/brand websites, 50 per cent via store/brand mobile apps, and 23 per cent on social media marketplaces.
“In today’s economic climate, robust omni-channel integration is indispensable,” added Wolpov. “This year’s findings reinforce the value of cost-conscious, seamless shopping experiences.”
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