44% of online shoppers are buying less from GB based sites post-Brexit according to new research

New research has shown strong growth in online shoppers on Irish based websites post-Brexit, with 44% of those surveyed buying more from these websites in the past year alone.

This change in behaviour is significant as in 2019, only 1 in 10 consumers indicated their intent to buy more from Irish based websites post-Brexit. A quarter of those surveyed reported that they are purchasing more from local businesses than before the pandemic.

Further results showed that 16% of consumers have stopped buying from GB based sites post-Brexit, while 44% are buying less in comparison to 2020 when just 18% of consumers stated they would stop buying or buy less from GB based sites post-Brexit.

When asked about experiencing problems when purchasing from GB websites post-Brexit 46% of consumers have experienced difficulties and less than half of this group (44%) had their issues resolved.

Unexpected costs (e.g. customs charges) and delayed delivery were the most common issues experienced by consumers.

Commenting on the research, Jeremy Godfrey, Chairperson of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission who carried out the research said: “The COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit have both had a significant effect on online shopping by Irish consumers.

“Our research shows there has been a steady growth in online shopping from Irish websites, and a reduction from websites based in the UK.

“Consumers who buy from outside the EU have fewer protections, and this makes Irish and EU websites more attractive to them.

Irish businesses should make sure they aee familiar with consumer protection laws and how to comply with relevant requirements. This means they will satisfy their customers’ expectations and avoid the risk of enforcement action by the CCPC.”

More information about the research can be found here.