08 March 1983 Shopping habits changing

Changes in shopping patterns in the United States had substantial implications for New Zealand exports to that country, Dr John Norris, Vice-president of Safeways Supermarkets, told a seminar at Lincoln College.

Dr Morris, a former student and lecturer in Farm management at Lincoln College, said there was no longer a typicl shopper, as customer mix became more complex.

There were no various segments of the market, and for New Zealand to succeed on the market the demands of these segments had to be identified and recognised.

"Customers are changing, their attitudes are changing and there are changing demographics, " he said.

"In the last 10 years the average household size in the United States has gone from 3.2 people to 2.7 people.