Survey Reveals Shifting Consumer Shopping Habits

A new survey shows how generations differ in their approach to purchasing products and managing returns.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Shopping — General

Gouache-painted illustration of a stack of cardboard delivery boxes with a silk ribbon, depicting modern consumer retail habits. — A new Locus Robotics survey highlights how younger consumers increasingly prioritize immediate product availability and convenience, driving higher retail return rates. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you typically order multiple sizes of an item with the plan to return the others?

A Locus Robotics survey of 1,000 U.S. adults finds that bracketing, or buying multiple sizes to keep one, is common among younger shoppers. The findings highlight how social media influence and item availability continue to shape modern retail demand.

Why it matters

Retailers are navigating increased operational pressure as consumers prioritize convenience and immediate product availability. Understanding these shopping behaviors is crucial for businesses aiming to reduce returns and improve customer retention.

A survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that 61% of Gen Z shoppers use bracketing, compared to just 15% of Baby Boomers. Additionally, 79% of Gen Z shoppers make purchases based on social media discovery, while 33% abandon carts due to stock issues.

The players

Locus Robotics

Locus Robotics is a technology company that provides autonomous mobile robot solutions for warehouse and retail fulfillment operations.

The details

The report shows that social media discovery is a major driver of sales, particularly for younger generations who often buy within three days of seeing a product online. While digital habits are rising, physical stores still accounted for 48% of recent purchases across the categories studied.

The survey findings were published on October 20, 2026.

Culture Shift

The rise of bracketing marks a significant departure from traditional retail models where shoppers purchased single items for keeps. This trend mirrors a broader societal shift toward prioritizing convenience, forcing retailers to adapt their logistics to match changing consumer expectations.

Shoppers may find that retailers increasingly implement stricter return policies or restocking fees to manage the costs associated with bracketing. Consumers can also expect more focus on real-time inventory tracking as stores try to reduce abandoned carts.

The takeaway

Retailers are increasingly pressured to balance the convenience shoppers demand with the logistical costs of high return rates. Customers who want to save time should check stock levels before visiting physical locations, as unavailability remains a primary reason for purchase abandonment.