Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1463099
We surveyed 400 consumers. Here is what they told us. Trend Insight Consumer is a feature within sportstyle that delivers research conducted on the MESH01 Platform. MESH01 collects data from a select panel of sports enthusiasts. For information on the Mesh1 Platform, contact Brian Bednarek at 603-766-0957 or brian.bednarek@mesh01.com. For more information on Trend Insight Consumer and how your company can participate, contact Jeff Nott at 516-305-4711 or jnott@formula4media.com. Supply chain issues have been front and center for months, ushering in everything from rising prices and fewer products on retail shelves to new levels of shopping frustration. While not drastically impacted by the situation, these supply chain- related trends are inuencing shopping expectations and buying decision-making. For example, 67% of the participants in our latest survey say they will move on to other product options if a rst choice is not readily available. And a whopping 71% of respondents report that researching products online is now a go-to rst step for pre-purchasing considerations. e latter statistic is a particularly important development for the textile community; If not already underway, investing in an up-to-date user-friendly textile website and engaging social media platforms should be top of mind in the year ahead for suppliers. Smart textiles are another area to watch. Survey participants who said the social aspect of their workout routine was "very important," were more likely to buy apparel that features wearable technology. Smart fabrics may see a bump in popularity as more consumers continue to look for new ways to connect in today's changing social landscape. e survey, conducted by MESH01, included 400 respondents, male and female. Research Online Ask Friends Go to store to see selection 71% 5% 24% A New Year, a Shift in Shopping Behaviors When you go to buy new footwear or apparel what is your first step? 33% 67% 61% 39% Have the supply chain challenges facing the manufacturing and retail industries impacted your ability to find specific footwear or apparel you want to buy when shopping online and in stores? If YES, have your expectations changed when it comes to buying footwear or apparel due to supply chain issues? YES I am more likely to seek out alternate options if first choice is not available. YES NO NO I will keep shopping until I find what I want sportstyle • sportstylemag.com 44 • March/April 2022