Survey says...

Earlier this summer the Malta Merchant’s committee of the Chamber of Commerce sent out a Shopping Survey to determine trends, practices, and needs of the area. The results of the survey were reviewed by the Merchant’s committee. These types are surveys are important for the merchants to understand how and why people shop and what they shop for. It helps to be sure you are provided with the type of products and services that are valuable and needed. Thank you to the 113 people who took the time to complete the survey. This hopes to be a yearly project so that trends and improvements can be identified.

86% of respondents shop in Malta at least weekly, with 16% taking daily shopping trips to town. 97 people, when asked why you enjoy shopping in Malta, said it was for the convenience of the location. While 87 people enjoy the high level of customer service they receive in town. An outstanding 101 people said that they enjoy shopping in Malta because it supports locally owned businesses. This shows that the shopping available in town is important to the local economy and residents. It reinforces the importance for all the businesses to provide a high level of service, as it’s a privilege to have local support. These results are a strong baseline for the merchants, and for future surveys to see how Malta businesses are perceived.

When residents do go out of town, the majority shop monthly (31%) or several times a year (41%). Primarily they are traveling to Havre, Billings or to shop online. Of the reason reported for items not available in town (93%), or for better pricing elsewhere (60%). It was also a common response that another reason drives people out of town, for example, a doctor’s appointment, and while they are out, they will shop.

Respondents were then asked about specific shopping categories and what they would like to see more of. Common responses were fruit, vegetable, and bulk food options; prescription, over the counter, vitamin and beauty items; sheets, pillows and towels; craft, art and yarn supplies; pet items; socks and under garments, women’s clothing, and seasonal wear. What was so interesting about these results was that many of these options are available currently! The merchants are working on new marketing plans to help describe what they presently supply that was called for in the survey. While it’s not possible to have every item needed to be stocked in town, the merchants are looking within each of their own shops to determine new or more products they plan to carry. Keep watching your local merchants and if you don’t see something, ask!

If you have additional feedback on your perspective or questions about the survey, please contact the Chamber office at 654-1776 or [email protected].