With a third of 16-34s considering cutting back or stopping online purchases, retailers face rising pressure to reinforce digital trust following a series of cyberattacks. This is especially the case for online pureplays, which cannot redirect sceptical consumers to stores, according to GlobalData.

Emily Salter, lead retail analyst at GlobalData, comments: “However, the convenience and choice associated with the online channel will still trump security concerns for most consumers. This is potentially more important to older shoppers who have children and greater pressures on their time, or less ability to visit stores as they age. Younger shoppers also place more emphasis on experiential shopping, so this combined with security concerns could push more consumers to stores.”

GlobalData’s July 2025 UK monthly survey reveals 69.3% of consumers are worried about their personal security because of the recent cyberattacks with 79.3% of 25-34 year-olds feeling the most concerned about the issue.

As well as the immediate impact on sales and profits, which could be due to stock issues or having to shut down a website, the press coverage of cyberattacks raises a more long-term issue of consumer trust in retailers’ online platforms.

Salter concludes: “Younger consumers are more concerned about retailers storing their payment details, and think that they are not doing enough to protect their private information when shopping online. Paying with mobile wallets and third-party providers such as Apple Pay and PayPal is a way that consumers can avoid having to give their payment details directly to retailers. These payment methods are especially popular among under 35s. To allow this, retailers must ensure their websites and apps are compatible with these methods.”