New Zealand is set to see a surge in shopping volume during this year Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) weekend, according to research by Shopify.

More than 60 per cent of Kiwi consumers plan to spend money during the shopping event, with a third planning to spend more than they did last year, the tech company says. A majority of consumers say the Covid-19 situation continues to influence the way they shop, especially when online shopping is becoming more accessible and convenient.

“New Zealanders have been quick to adapt their shopping habits to the new norm brought about by Covid-19,” said Shaun Broughton, MD of Shopify Apac. “But the survey results clearly show they expect something in return for this agility: namely, decent delivery and click and collect options and free shipping.”

The fashion and accessories sector is expected to be the most-searched sector with more than half of shoppers looking to purchase during the weekend, followed by electronics (40 per cent) and entertainment (30 per cent).

Meanwhile, due to the retail disruptions during the lockdowns, click and collect is set to become a popular choice among BFCM shoppers, with more than 40 per cent of online consumers from 18-54 years old planning to use curbside pickup during the shopping holiday. However, more than 60 per cent of Kiwi shoppers plan to shop in-store, mostly at locally-owned outlets or department stores.

“The fact so many New Zealanders are planning on researching deals before the long weekend, combined with how many have embraced online shopping, shows the retail industry is dealing with an incredibly savvy shopper in general – one who wouldn’t hesitate to research and compare deals and checkout options to find exactly what they want.”