Retailers are missing what matters most to today’s shoppers. A new consumer study from SPAR Group, Inc . reveals major changes in shopping behavior, spotlighting the critical importance of product availability and heightened concerns about tariffs and technology in today's brick-and-mortar retail world.
Product Availability Is King According to the 2025 SPAR Consumer Survey , which surveyed more than 1,000 consumers between ages 18 and 64 , product availability tops the list of priorities for shoppers considering
where to buy. An impressive 74% said it’s the most important factor, and 73% see out-of-stocks as the main deterrent to a good in-store experience. Mike Matacunas, President and CEO of SPAR Group, Inc., shared , “The first rule of retail is that empty is always wrong.
After decades of investment, inventory in-stock, plan-o-gram compliance, and optimal replenishment remain elusive.” He went on , “Retailers and brands pay for data based on point-of-sale transactions as a proxy to monitor inventory velocity, but this information is too late to make a difference.
It's like driving your car, looking in the rear-view mirror.” This reality brings significant consequences for retailers.
Matacunas also pointed out , “This shopper study brings attention to the impact of distorted inventory – disappointed consumers, lost sales, lower margins.” Technology: Opportunity and Apprehension Retailers are leaning into technology to help solve inventory and efficiency issues, but shoppers are cautious…
