Word-of-mouth recommendations remain the top way consumers discover new retail brands, according to recent research from Yes Marketing.

The report was based on data from a survey conducted in April 2019 among 1,000 consumers who have made a purchase from a retailer in the past year.

Some 45% of respondents say they heard about the most recent retailer they purchased from for the first time via friends and family.

Some 16% say they discovered the new retailer via a Google Search; 14%, via traditional advertisements; 8%, via a recommendation on a product review site; and 6%, via digital advertisements from the retailer.

Marketing Factors

Consumers say relevant messaging is the most influential marketing factor when they're deciding to purchase from a new retailer (33% cite it as influential).

Building Trust

Consumers say the factor that most influences whether they trust a new retailer is whether it puts up enough information about its products online (36% cite it as influential).

About the research: The report was based on data from a survey conducted in April 2019 among 1,000 consumers who have made a purchase from a retailer in the past year.