A new poll reveals that a third of UK shoppers have abandoned their shopping trips due to frustrations such as long queues, crowded aisles, and hard-to-find products. The survey of 2,000 adults found that 34% have left a shop mid-trip because of in-store annoyances, with the figure rising to 53% among Gen Z.
Common gripes include people blocking aisles, out-of-stock items, and wobbly trolley wheels. Unclear pricing, poor signage, and hard-to-read labels also ranked highly, highlighting challenges for those with impaired vision. The research, commissioned by Robinsons Fruit Shoot, found that 56% have never considered what shopping might be like for someone with a visual impairment, increasing to 65% among Gen X.
Robinsons Fruit Shoot has partnered with Katie Piper to launch NaviLens technology, a high-contrast code that provides audio information and navigation support. Clare Brosnan, a spokesperson for the brand, said: 'Our research shows that everyone shops differently, and that everyday habits can sometimes make shopping more challenging for others, particularly people with visual impairments.'
The study suggests room for improvement in accessibility, with only 14% believing supermarkets do enough to support visually impaired customers. Four in ten said they would be more likely to buy from a brand that supports accessibility. Although 79% would offer help if they saw someone struggling, 88% admitted to committing 'supermarket sins' such as leaving items in the wrong place or blocking aisles.
