How COVID-19 is Changing Consumer Behaviour

A large part of the world is under lockdown. The whole situation caught us unprepared, so both businesses and consumers are trying to find new ways to satisfy their needs or reach their goals. Consumers now have so much spare time. This will make them browse online stores, pay attention to marketing messages, and add more things to their cart. Read on and find out how will the crisis impact consumer behavior!

Focus on food supply

As soon as the lockdown was announced, consumers started focusing more on food supply. We saw full supermarkets, and many people were panic-buying large quantities of essential items. Suddenly the demand increased drastically, both online and in store. 

The demand for non-essential goods had a fall, as consumers keep their focus on essential food products. Once the dust settles, they are expected to return to purchasing the non-essential items. 

Digital transformation

Physical goods aren’t the only thing affected by the crisis. Let’s not forget about all the services that were a great part of our lives. Many of them include social interaction, which is now strictly prohibited. In despair to keep their profits, many businesses continue to give services via new channels. Everyone has access to technology, so courses are now held online. Psychologists now offer sessions over the phone or a video call. Businesses are starting to get creative and use their maximum potential to make sure that their service will reach the customer.

Some sectors that already offer online services experience rises in demand. Customers can watch their favorite TV shows if they purchase their Netflix subscription. They can also access the best live casino from the comfort of their own home. These kinds of services were already present on the market, but now their popularity is rising. 

Rise in online shopping

People are afraid to leave their homes during the virus outbreak. Or, they simply didn’t want to wait for hours in front of the market. That’s where online grocery shopping came as the ultimate solution. Consumers like the fact that they can have their essential groceries delivered right at their door, within a few clicks. The elderly as the most vulnerable group will feel safe and protected when they don’t have to leave their homes. Many stores will give them a priority when delivering the goods, considering that fact. 

The trend of online grocery shopping is very likely to keep up in the future, even when the crisis comes to an end. Consider the fact that it takes three to four purchases for people to adopt it as a habit. It will simply become a routine and consumers will shift to online shopping even when physical stores will be open again. 

Another important aspect of the rise in online shopping is the closure of stores. The whole social distancing thing closed the doors of physical stores. But, consumers’ needs are still here. Many businesses started selling online to save their life and satisfy their customers, even the ones that didn’t do this before. 

Demand for specific items

When people can’t spend their money on socializing, they will find alternatives. They will think of the quarantine as a time for themselves, their home, and their family. People will want to use the time productively. The demand for exercise gear will rise, along with hobby supplies.  Others will use this time for DIY home improvements, which means that the demand for materials will rise too. And let’s not forget that people will look for different ways of entertainment in their home. Video games, board games, and kids’ toys will be bought online too.