62% of U.S. households subscribe to retail membership programs 

(Photo: Courtesy of Produce for Better Health Foundation)

Shopper habits across all retail channels — such as 62% of U.S. households subscribe to retail memberships — can eventually affect how they shop for fresh produce.

With that in mind, Chicago-based market-research firm Numerator launched its Retail Membership Tracker to analyze the emerging omnichannel landscape of retail subscription models, according to a news release.

The tracker compares Amazon Prime, Walmart+ and Target’s Shipt Everyday.

Overall, while Amazon Prime retains the highest satisfaction rate and Walmart+ has shown the fastest adoption, Target’s Shipt Everyday is breaking out with same-day delivery and capturing more trips, spending and share from subscribers than Amazon or Walmart. 

“Changes in consumer behavior are accelerating,” Numerator CEO Eric Belcher said in the release. “Forward-looking retailers are anticipating and tracking those changes.”

Retailers that can identify and respond to emerging trends will drive more loyalty and long-term growth, he said.

Retail membership subscription findings include:

  • Nearly two-thirds of U.S. households subscribe to a retail membership. Memberships are mainstream, with more than 62% of households subscribing to at least one retail membership.
  • More than half of U.S. households subscribe to Amazon Prime – 6 times more than Walmart+. Although Walmart+ has gained rapid adoption (8.1% of households) since its 2020 launch, Amazon has the majority, with 53.6% of U.S. households subscribing to Prime. Shipt Everday has a smaller share (1.3%) as it is available in limited markets. 
  • Most consumers subscribe to a one-retail membership program. 80% of households subscribe to one program, 13.8% subscribe to two programs, 3.7% subscribe to three and 2.5% subscribe to four or more.
  • Multi-program subscribers are more likely to be affluent, ethnically diverse and values-driven. They are more likely to be Black or Hispanic/Latino, from larger households, buy on impulse and are more aware of the corporate values behind the products they buy.

Retail membership performance findings include:

  • Nearly four in five Prime members only subscribe to Prime. 78% of Prime members do not subscribe to other retail membership programs, substantially higher than the exclusivity of Shipt Everyday (28% of their members) or Walmart+ (24%). 
  • Walmart+ subscribers are likely to also have Prime. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Walmart+ subscribers also have Amazon Prime, while 53% of Shipt Everyday members also have Prime.
  • Amazon Prime wins renewal intent and satisfaction, but Shipt leads Walmart+ in both metrics. 80% of Prime members intend to renew, compared to 49% of Shipt subscribers and 48% of Walmart+ subscribers. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Prime Members indicate high satisfaction levels, followed by Shipt Everyday (55%) and Walmart+ (46%). 
  • Consumers place the highest value on shipping speed, with Shipt Everyday leading for same-day delivery. Shipt members are significantly more likely to cite same-day delivery as a key benefit to membership. Prime members claim expedited shipping as a key benefit.
  • Shipt Everyday program outperforms despite limited availability. While all programs capture higher amounts of trips, spending and share among their subscribers compared to all shoppers, Shipt Everyday outperforms its baseline metrics by 2 times -– capturing 10.1% of subscribers’ share versus 4.3% of the total shoppers’ share.   
  • Walmart+ is driving loyalty. Walmart+ captures the highest purchase frequency, buy rate, and share of wallet from subscribers out of all programs tracked – capturing 18.5% of their subscribers’ share vs. 14.6% of their total shoppers’ share.

 

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.