Six months ago, when the country first shut down, consumers had no choice but to shift the way they made purchases. Essentials like groceries, medications and personal care products ordered online provided a sense of comfort by eliminating trips out of the house, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society,
According to a study by McKinsey & Co., there has been a 15- to 30-percent growth in consumers making purchases online for most categories. So how have consumer shopping habits changed during the pandemic, and which of these changes will last long after the virus is gone? Read on to see what the research says. The COVID-19 U.S. Consumer Pulse Survey was conducted between June 15 and 21, 2020.
Trying New Things
According to McKinsey & Co.’s survey, 75 percent of respondents have tried a new shopping behavior during the coronavirus pandemic and most intend to continue.
Consumers who tried a new brand did so primarily for product availability, convenience and value.
Changes in Retail
Home furnishings saw a 30 percent increase in consumers shopping online, coming in just below medicine, groceries, household supplies, personal care products and alcohol.
Many consumers intend to continue opting for low-touch shopping options when the coronavirus situation has subsided.
