A new study from InPost revealed that British adults aged between 18 and 25 were more eager to carry out safe shopping online over the course of the pandemic lockdown period than their older counterparts, according to Internet Retailing.

E-commerce activity was 50 per cent more popular amongst this age group than the over-55s, revealing the extent to which the internet has been a safe haven for younger consumers aiming to keep up their spending habits in spite of the coronavirus crisis over the past few months.

Analysts also looked into the ecological impact of online shopping and how consumer opinions are changing with regards to this element of the industry. 43 per cent of those in the youngest age group questioned said that they would be aiming to consider how their online orders affected the environment going forwards, particularly with regards to the home delivery options that are available.

Conversely, just under a third of respondents who fall into the baby boomer generation said that they would be adapting their habits to make sure that their future orders were less of a burden on the environment.

Report spokesperson Jason Tavaria said that Britain’s youngest consumers had come of age at a time when online shopping was rife and the expectation of being able to order products for doorstep delivery was widespread, meaning that this is a factor that shapes their spending habits to this day.

The study’s authors argue that it makes more sense to choose local drop-box lockers for product delivery rather than direct home shipping, although there are some clear limitations associated with this practice as well, and it will take much more investigation and campaigning to make sure that consumers are familiar with the ins and outs of their options.