Bed Basics

Then & Now: 4 Ways Our Shopping Habits Have Changed Since the 80s

Then_Now_640x400

There's no doubt a lot has changed since the 1980s. From the price of milk to the type of cars we drive, so much is different about the way we live and the way we work — even the way we shop has changed.

To see just how much our lives have been altered in the last 30+ years, Mattress Firm conducted a survey of more than 2,000 consumers. And, the results are surprise:

4 Ways Our Shopping Habits Have Changed Since the 1980s

1. Shopping Online is Here to Stay

According to Mattress Firm's survey, 50 percent of respondents would rather shop online simply due to convenience. In the 80s, you had to shop in store. In fact, going to the mall was as much about getting the things you need as it was a social activity. Now, we are moving so fast that the internet is our preferred shopping method — at least half of the time.

2. Women Are Still From Venus, and Men Are Still From Mars

Of the women surveyed, 16 percent say their biggest influence in a purchasing decision is having shopped at the store previously, as opposed to only 7.5 percent of men. While men are three times more likely to take the word of a celebrity when making a big ticket purchase, women don't value celebrity opinion as highly. Clearly, the differences between men and women have not changed.

3. Influencers Are the New "Word of Mouth"

While nearly 14 percent of Baby Boomers still enjoy reading their Sunday paper, 50 percent of people now use online reviews to help influence their purchasing decisions. From Twitter to Instagram, Facebook to Snapchat, online product reviews are a dime a dozen and always at our finger tips — literally.

4. Tech is King


While men are more likely to purchase a product if it offers new technology, more than 18 percent of women will consider a purchase for the same reason. When it comes to offering new technology, we are all highly influenced by the prospect of something different and exciting. Just think about your craving for a new smart phone every time a new model is revealed — most of us didn't even have cell phone in the 80s let alone use our face or fingerprint to unlock our screens.

The last thirty years certainly has changed the way we think and how we use our purchasing power. From  shopping in-store to  online, or even in an app, we now rely on technology more than ever to show us what's new and where to buy it. If it only took 30 year to come this far, image how we'll be shopping in 2050!

You Might Also Like

King vs. California King: Sizes and Dimensions
Bed Basics
King Size vs. California King Mattress: What's the DifferenceLooking for more room to sleep—whether it’s solo, with your partner, your children or even your furry friends? A King bed can be the perfect choice. After all, Kings offer more than 6,000 square inches of comfy, cozy sleep paradise.
blue square reading Full Vs. Queen
Bed Basics
Full vs. Queen: What’s the Difference?The search is on: You’re looking for the right size mattress for your bedroom. And when you’re on the hunt for a bed, for a new space or an existing one, even a little room can mean a lot.
A twin and twin XL mattress side by side with their dimensions next to them. Twin: 75 x 38. Twin XL: 80 x 38
Bed Basics
Twin or Twin XL: How to Buy the Right Size of BedThe search is on: When you’re on the lookout for a new bed, either for a new space or an existing one, even a little room can mean a lot. That’s where compact beds come in. Read ahead for a walk through all of the key differences between the ever-popular twin bed and the less-common twin XL so you end up with the right choice.
selecting the right mattress size_RAW.jpg
Bed Basics
Buying Guide: Selecting the Right Mattress SizeOne of the most common mistakes made when buying a new bed is selecting one that's too small. When it comes to mattress sizes, bigger is often better (as long as it can fit in your room!).
4 ways to clean a mattress
Bed Basics
4 Easy Ways to Clean Your MattressAlthough we sleep on our mattress every single night, we often forget that underneath all of those covers, your mattress needs a little TLC every now and again. It's easy to understand the need to avoid dirty sheets, but have you ever thought about how to avoid a dirty mattress or the best way to clean a mattress?
how to fold a fitted sheet
Bed Basics
How do you fold a fitted sheet?We’re answering the age-old question: how do you fold a fitted sheet?
How_often_640x400_logo
Bed Basics
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?How often should you get a new mattress? Probably more often than you think. If you wake up each morning feeling tired, stiff and achy, or you can't remember when you last bought a mattress — it could be time to consider updating your sleep space.
A cartoon illustration of a hand holding a spray bottle. A vacuum, baking soda and laundry detergent sitting next to a urine stained mattress.
Bed Basics
How to Clean a Mattress: Urine Stains From an accident caused by your little one to the family pet draining themselves on that brand new duvet, figuring out how to clean urine from a mattress as well as how to get the urine smell out of a mattress can be quite the hassle. Find the best way to clean a mattress.
A picture of an unmade bed with white sheets
Bed Basics
How to Choose the Right Type of Sheets for Your BedWe put a lot of time, thought and energy into figuring out our wardrobes. We look for pieces that are comfortable or perhaps sweat-wicking, and that look good.