Younger shoppers have grown up with smartphones and are at ease with digital commerce. Indeed, Descartes’ last mile study points out that Millennials and Gen Z consumers tend to shop online more, spend more money, and are more likely to increase ecommerce spend (50% vs. 33% of 55+ consumers). Millennials and Gen Z expect more from retailers’ ability to execute on deliveries— which, today, is a consideration for merchants that are attempting to meet the expectations of younger target groups.
So how does this sentiment connect with the growing pains of urban logistics?
‘You have to have a fine balance between speed, convenience, and quality,’ says Gary Rosier-Taylor. Gary, who is joining us on Tuesday in Central London for our Urban Logistics & Last Mile Event, takes a look into the Delivery Personas: the type of customers that retail and logistics need to accommodate based on key demographic indicators.
For example, Millennials and Gen Z expect more from retailers’ ability to execute on deliveries— which, today, is a consideration for merchants that are attempting to meet the expectations of younger target groups. What is more, Millennials and Gen Z shoppers are most interested in sustainable delivery options. Though, while it is a choice – similar to buying organic – it is not a delivery requirement.
‘Finding sustainable, cost-effective solutions in the face of these challenges is important for industry,’ agrees Rhyce Dawson from TMX Transform. Rhyce, who will deliver a talk on urban spaces on the 28th November, says that the complexity of last mile operations have made efficiency much harder to come. The convenience of delivery comes at a price – for businesses and the planet. Last mile sustainability is vital, but to remain resilient and relevant, businesses also need to examine all logistics systems and networks.
‘This requires innovative solutions, technology, and strategic decision-making to meet the evolving expectations of consumers and the demands of a sustainable future,’ explains Elizabeth Selby from Bexley Beaumont . Elizabeth looks at the last mile through the lens of sustainable workers’ rights and the gig economy.
Following the court’s decision on workers for a large last mile company, Elizabeth will take the stage at our Urban Logistics & Last Mile event to look at what this means for logistics operations.
In the face of all of the above, companies are turning to technology solutions. ‘And they are right to do so,’ says David Lewis from DispatchTrack. Enabling better visibility and better decision making, tech can solve problems and free space for people to add even more value. David will join us too on the 28th November to take a look at routing for last mile operations and why it is so important.
You can join us on Tuesday 28th November in Central London at 10 am for a morning of great insights and last mile conversations. You can get a special ticket until the end of today to celebrate Black Friday!
We hope to see you there!
