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Despite the rising number of shopping options available on social media outlets, Asian buyers still prefer traditional shopping habits, according to the latest Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand (RDTB) 2013 Survey.
The survey revealed that 19 percent of Singapore consumers have changed their shopping habits because of online and social media in the last two years. For Asian buyers as a whole, only 13 percent indicated significant changes in their buying habits.
The most popular online purchases among respondents in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines were travel services, while clothing and other apparel were the top choice for those polled in Hong Kong, Thailand and India.
Moreover, there has been little change in brand perception among Asians relative to social media influence. In Singapore, only six percent of respondents said they trust companies and brands based on their social media advertisements. The average in Asia is eight percent.
Meanwhile, local brands comprised 40 percent or 41 of the 110 winners in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand 2013 Awards, reflecting the improved confidence of Singapore consumers.
“The increasing number of local SMEs gaining brand recognition and trust is a significant achievement, indicating more Singaporeans’ support for local brands. Successful local brands help enhance our economic growth, boost exports and raise awareness of the Singapore Brand in other markets,” noted Yvonne Tey, Commercial Director of Reader’s Digest Asia.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
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