Irish Shoppers Spend 37 Minutes on Weekly Grocery Trips

New research reveals that Irish shoppers dedicate an average of 37 minutes to their weekly grocery shopping, a trend highlighted during the busy back-to-school period. The study, conducted by Bounce Insights on behalf of Aldi Ireland, surveyed over 1,000 individuals to understand shopping habits and the challenges parents face during this hectic season.

In a notable finding, Aldi customers emerged as the fastest shoppers, with nearly 80 percent completing their main grocery shop in 45 minutes or less. When travel time is included, many Aldi shoppers manage to finish their entire weekly shopping in under an hour. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for parents navigating the back-to-school rush, where time is of the essence.

The research also highlights the challenges parents encounter during term time. Approximately 43 percent of respondents perceive shopping during the school year as more expensive, while 30 percent find it more complicated. Additionally, 34 percent report that shopping takes longer, and 32 percent describe it as more stressful. The necessity for convenience is underscored by the fact that 89 percent of parents indicated they require additional “top-up” trips for school lunchbox items throughout the week.

Shopping Frustrations and Preferences

The study also identified common frustrations encountered by shoppers. The top irritants include long checkout lines, with 37 percent of respondents citing this issue, followed closely by 38 percent who reported products being out of stock and 22 percent who found stores excessively crowded. Interestingly, Aldi shoppers reported a significantly smoother experience, enjoying fewer of these common frustrations.

Value for money and product quality are crucial factors for shoppers. The research indicates that 41 percent of Aldi shoppers prioritize product quality, a figure notably higher than the overall average of 34 percent. Furthermore, 70 percent of Aldi customers rank value for money among their top three considerations when choosing where to shop, compared to 59 percent of shoppers in general. Discovering new products is also a key motivator, with 41 percent of all shoppers expressing interest in this aspect; this figure rises to 45 percent among Aldi shoppers, highlighting the appeal of Aldi’s unique middle aisle offerings.

As the back-to-school season approaches, Aldi has shared practical tips for shoppers to streamline their grocery trips. These insights are designed to help customers navigate the busy shopping landscape efficiently.

The findings of this research not only shed light on consumer behavior in Ireland but also underscore the importance of effective shopping strategies for families during a critical time of year.