As certain States begin to reopen in the US, online marketplace IZEA surveyed 1,214 US internet users to help understand the shift in consumer shopping habits and the long-term impact of this.
Out of those surveyed, 75% said they are spending more time online since being impacted by Coronavirus, with only 3.4% saying that they are spending less time. That near-term change in internet consumption is to be expected but the longer-term implications have only just begun to be felt.
Despite the States reopening, local businesses will likely see lower demand as consumers opt for online shopping near-term, with 45% of respondents stating they have permanently changed their shopping habits to spend more online. That number climbs to 50% for those 19-44 years old, the primary focus for most consumer brands.
As people are spending more time online, 76% said they have purchased items they consider “non-essential” since being impact by Coronaviurs. Consumers are spending more freely, opening the door for products and services that were not being considered last month, according to IZEA.
“While many states have begun to lift restrictions on stay-at-home orders, it appears that consumer behavior has been forever altered by Coronavirus,” said Ted Murphy, Founder and CEO of IZEA. “Internet usage was high before COVID-19, but it has become an even more essential need for consumers that have been confined to their home.”
Influencer content
Consumers are leaving their house more frequently as restrictions are lifted. As a result, IZEA predicts that influencers will showcase the simplicity of quick automotive services such as oil changes from a national dealership.
As local braches and parks open, the need for outerwear and swimwear will rise. There will be a rise in influencers doing hauls of their favourite swimwear and must-haves, IZEA states.
The study found that 89% of consumers have tried or are willing to try a new brand, an increase of 7% since April, highlighting the fact that consumers still want to discover new products and are willing to purchase amidst uncertainty.
“This change will be very challenging for smaller local retailers and those larger organisations that have not yet adopted an Internet-centric consumer strategy. At the same time, those who have invested resources in their online shopping experience and espoused modern views towards ordering and fulfilment for goods and services have an opportunity to thrive in the new environment that COVID-19 creates, both now and in the future.”
To view more insights into specific verticals, view the report here.
