82% of Shoppers Feel Ignored?

A recent survey conducted by Retail Active, a leading Mystery Shopping Company and Brand Auditing Service Provider has given us new insight into our main gripes as consumers about customer service on the high street.

82% of people questioned, agreed that the one thing they find more annoying than anything else when shopping is being ignored by staff. The general feeling is that people in the UK are getting more and more expectant that the service in our high street shop will be poor. Worryingly Retail Active's Mystery Shoppers agree that a poor service expectation is becoming the norm.

Julian Chamberlain, Director at Retail Active comments. "This survey is a really worrying result. We work hard with our clients to understand exactly how consumers feel about shopping in their stores or restaurants. Over 90% of consumers cite that service staff can affect the mood of the shopper. The smallest gesture can change the perception of the store, product and eventually the Brand. It was a wise man that said 'people buy in to people' , and its true. A smile or some eye contact whilst serving, although it seems so obvious can make such a difference."

If you are keen to have your say and help create a united front on Customer Service that Retail Active is looking for more Mystery Shoppers to join them in 2012. With more Mystery Shopping Jobs available then ever before, 2012 is really the time to sign up. For more information on how to apply, or if you are keen to employ a  Mystery Shopping Programme then please visit the website at www.retailactive.com.

Christmas Spending Survey 2011

Mystery shoppers like most regular customers are planning their own spending cuts this Christmas despite the desperate need to "Spend, spend, spend" to boost our economy. A survey by leading UK Mystery Shopping company and Brand Auditing Specialists, Retail Active found that four out of ten shoppers say they plan to spend less or much less on Christmas than last year. In fact some would go as far as to decided to 'not do' presents at all!

Retail Active's managing director, Julian Chamberlain said: "We asked 2000 people for details of their Christmas shopping plans and 1279 responded. Well over half (66%) said the uncertain state of the economy  made them worried about spending money on Christmas.

"Families say they plan to save on Christmas spending this year, wherever possible - with more than nine out of ten saying they are  going to spend at least 30% less than last year.

"Times are tight and our survey shows that people are resorting to selling belongings to raise cash, dipping in to savings and using credit cards for Christmas Purchases."

Discount stores and better planning by family's have allowed some to reduce their overall spend. Spreading the cost by starting shopping earlier in the year, is a technique referred to by many of the shoppers that responded to our survey.

Christmas is a busy time of year here at Retail Active, and there are lots and lots of Mystery shopping jobs available, and an ideal way to get the inside scoop on current promotions etc on the high street. If you are interested in our Mystery Shopper programme or have a requirement within your business, then please visit our website for more information and ways to get involved.