With digital e-commerce changing the game for selling products and services, most consumers opt for online purchases. The mode of online shopping has allowed for deals, and discounted prices.

New consumer habits reflect a global trend of shoppers seeking more value for their money.

This is especially true in Saudi Arabia, where nearly 98% of consumers have shifted their spending habits to match the value for their money, according to a survey by NielsenIQ.

The report showed that when residents in the kingdom shop for fast-moving consumer goods (FCMG), they strategize to save and make the most of their money. This includes shopping online (33%) to get better deals and taking advantage of loyalty schemes (27%) to earn extra points that can be used later.

While 23% of consumers also turn to online platforms for the best deals on their preferred brands, only 17% go for private-label products.

These findings signify that consumers in the kingdom have become cost-sensitive, placing affordability over premium goods.

“This trend signifies a broader change in purchasing habits, where the allure of premium products has been outweighed by the appeal of affordability and the practical benefits of cost-effective alternatives,” the consumer intelligence company said.

“Over the last two years or more, global consumers have indicated they will seek ways to reduce expenses and prioritize affordability. These intentions are driving real impact; the whole structure of global pricing has experienced a small shift in favor of lower price tiers,” said Pavlos Pavlou, NielsenIQ Managing Director in Saudi Arabia.

However, Pavlou also noted that despite Saudi consumers’ tendency toward cost-friendly items, they continue to seek high-quality, premium products, specifically those related to health and wellness.