KUWAIT: Over 68 percent of Kuwaitis prefer shopping online, which has become a necessity after it used to be just an option for shoppers, according to a recent academic study. The study, conducted by Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) administration professor Randa Deyab on online shopping habits amongst local consumers, relied on a questionnaire answered by Kuwaitis, which showed that over 90 percent of them have Instagram accounts, 63 percent have Twitter accounts and 58 percent use online shopping apps instead of visiting websites.

The study also showed that 52 percent of the products and services purchased online are repeated five times a month, and that over 60 percent of the shoppers prefer purchasing garments and shoes online. The study also showed that cosmetics are the fewest items bought online. Deyab noted that being regional leaders of creativity and risk management, Kuwaiti entrepreneurs have full ability to satisfy consumers, which is a major success factor. She added that to satisfy consumers, it is very important to study their habits and trends to create a healthy economy.

Deyab also stressed that Kuwaiti consumers are the largest spenders both locally and internationally, as Kuwait has a high per capita income and GDP with the highest living standards in the region. Moreover, Deyab said traditional stores need to keep up with the new shopping trends, especially since Kuwaiti consumers are slowly and steadily refraining from traditional shopping methods and tend more to shop online.

By A Saleh