Consumer attitudes to advertising shift

BUSINESSES are being urged to re-evaluate how they interact with customers, as research indicates consumers no longer take information communicated to them via advertising and marketing at face value.

The Irish Lifestyles report, carried out by Mintel Ireland, examined the impact that the recession has had on Irish consumers’ lifestyles in terms of their shopping behaviour, spending habits and attitudes towards value, big business and fiscal responsibility.

The findings of the report suggest Irish consumers are now bypassing traditional methods when searching for information, with 48% turning to the internet as the first port of call rather than taking at face value the message they have been given by an organisation.