The CBRE survey was conducted with over 500 Luxembourg residents during the summer of 2019 Shutterstock

The CBRE survey was conducted with over 500 Luxembourg residents during the summer of 2019 Shutterstock

The poll by commercial real estate experts CBRE, conducted with over 500 Luxembourg residents, provides food for thought for those who blame construction in the capital or the internet for loss of custom.

In total, 73% of respondents cited cleanliness as the most important factor, followed by price of products (64%), parking facilities (63%), security and convenience/ease of access (both 62%). Shop entertainment such as fashion shows or film screenings were at the end of the priority list for consumers.

“The stand-out finding is that the most important factors in determining where to shop are largely concerned with the facilities themselves and not necessarily the retail offer,” the report author wrote.

The most popular place to shop across the responses was shopping centres or malls, which are visited at least once every two weeks by half of all respondents. Respondents tended to visit them more frequently than the high street or retail parks. High street shops were a favourite of the 18-34-year age bracket and people without children. People aged 55-64 and couples were more likely to visit a mall, the report found.  

And the internet?

Contrary to what one might expect, the survey found that people visited physical bricks-and-mortar stores more often than they shopped online (70% compared with 60%). The youngest age group was the least likely to shop online, the survey offered in what might be a surprise finding for some. 

Finally, the survey found that Luxembourg consumers were taking a hybrid digital-physical approach to shopping, with up to 45% ordering online and collecting instore, and up to 73% comparing prices online while inside a store.

The CBRE report, “Luxembourg Consumer Survey 2019”, was released on 27 September.