Gender Differences in Shopping Habits: Men vs. Women
By Sean Mari Sagun, Founder at SM Social • Published October 10th, 2023
In the ever-evolving world of business, understanding your customers is like having a secret weapon. Knowing what makes them tick, what gets them swiping their credit cards, and what makes them shout, "Take my money!" is crucial. Today, we're not just scratching the surface; we're diving deep into the intriguing realm of shopping behavior, focusing on gender differences!
Men vs. Women: A Shopping Showdown
When it comes to shopping, are men and women truly from different planets? Well, not exactly, but they do have their unique preferences and tendencies that are worth exploring.
1. Preference for Pre-owned Products
Did you know that 42% of men actively seek out pre-owned products when shopping online, while only 24% of women do the same? That's quite a substantial difference in approach, isn't it?
How to apply this?
To effectively target male audiences and tap into their preference for pre-owned products, consider running specialized ad campaigns and email marketing initiatives. These should emphasize the advantages and availability of pre-owned items in a way that resonates with male consumers.
2. Brand Loyalty
Men seem to have a knack for loyalty. A whopping 65% of them proudly label themselves as "brand loyal," whereas 54% of women make the same claim. Looks like men tend to stick with what they know and love!
How Can Businesses Capitalize on This?
To solidify brand loyalty among male customers, it's imperative for businesses to develop loyalty programs tailored specifically to their preferences and needs. These programs should go beyond the ordinary, offering unique perks and incentives that resonate with the 65% of men who proudly identify as brand loyal. Additionally, during sale seasons, consider rolling out exclusive promotions and rewards to reinforce their commitment to your brand and keep them coming back for more.
3. Online Shopping
In a 2013 study, it was found that 57% of women purchased goods online compared to 52% of men. Women might have the upper hand here, but there's more to the story.
Men are more likely to use mobile devices for shopping – 22.2% of men use their smartphones to shop while 18.2% of women do so. So, while women might dominate online shopping in general, men are kings of the mobile shopping domain!
How Retailers Can Adapt
To enhance the mobile shopping experience, focus on user-friendly interfaces and seamless navigation. Offering exclusive deals and app-only promotions can attract the 22.2% of men who prefer shopping on their smartphones, giving your brand a competitive edge.
4. Purchasing Categories
When it comes to what they buy, men and women also have distinct preferences. Women are more likely than men to purchase fashion clothing and accessories online (71% vs. 49%). In contrast, men are more likely to make technology-based purchases than women (49% vs. 31%).
How to apply this?
Use personalized email campaigns or targeted ads to showcase category-specific products to different gender demographics. Additionally, retailers can tailor their product recommendations based on the historical buying patterns of each gender, ensuring that customers are more likely to find items that match their preferences. This approach enhances the overall shopping experience and increases the likelihood of conversions.
5. Spending on Luxury Items
Money talks, and when it comes to spending on luxury items, men and women have their own dialects. In 2018, men spent a whopping $39 billion on luxury items, while women spent $28 billion.
How to apply this?
Provide financing options, bundled deals, or exclusive memberships for luxury item purchases, enhancing accessibility and allure. These strategies make luxury items more attainable while adding extra value and exclusivity to the shopping experience.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to shopping, men and women may not be from different planets, but they certainly have distinct orbits. From their preference for pre-owned products to their spending habits on luxury items, these differences present a world of opportunities for businesses.
For marketing, understanding these gender differences is crucial in tailoring marketing strategies to target the right audience effectively. Whether it's highlighting brand loyalty, optimizing the mobile shopping experience, or catering to specific product categories, businesses can adapt and thrive in this diverse shopping landscape. So, in the ever-evolving world of commerce, remember: never stop learning and stay awesome! Happy shopping, everyone!
