Irish Shoppers Spend 37 Minutes on Weekly Grocery Runs

New research indicates that Irish shoppers dedicate an average of 37 minutes each week to their main grocery shopping. Conducted by Bounce Insights on behalf of Aldi Ireland, the survey included over 1,000 participants and aimed to assess the shopping habits of parents during the busy back-to-school season.

Aldi shoppers emerged as the most efficient, with nearly 80 percent completing their main shop in 45 minutes or less. When factoring in travel time, these shoppers manage to finish their weekly haul in under an hour, a significant advantage for parents facing the hectic demands of the school year.

The research revealed that many parents perceive shopping during term time as more challenging. Approximately 43 percent believe it is more expensive, while 30 percent find it more complicated. Additionally, 34 percent say it takes longer, and 32 percent experience heightened stress levels compared to shopping outside of school terms.

Almost 90 percent of parents indicated they require special ‘top-up’ shopping trips for school lunchbox items throughout the week. This makes an efficient shopping experience crucial for busy households.

Shopping Frustrations and Preferences

The survey also highlighted common frustrations faced by shoppers. Long checkout queues were cited by 37 percent, while 38 percent reported issues with products being out of stock. Additionally, 22 percent mentioned that overcrowding in stores adds to their stress. In contrast, Aldi shoppers reported a smoother experience, facing significantly fewer of these irritations.

When it comes to shopping preferences, value for money and product quality ranked highest. A notable 41 percent of Aldi shoppers prioritize product quality, which is higher than the 34 percent average across all shoppers. Furthermore, 70 percent of Aldi customers identified value for money as one of the top three factors influencing their choice of grocery store, compared to 59 percent of shoppers overall.

The survey also revealed that 41 percent of shoppers enjoy discovering new products, a figure that increases to 45 percent among Aldi customers. The store’s unique middle aisle continues to attract families looking for new and exciting items.

Tips for a Successful Shopping Experience

In light of the findings, Aldi has shared several tips for navigating grocery shopping during the back-to-school season. These strategies are designed to help shoppers make the most of their time and ensure they find everything they need efficiently.

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This research underscores the evolving landscape of grocery shopping in Ireland, particularly during peak seasons, and highlights the crucial role that time efficiency plays for families.