Tags – Increase in Online Purchases During Covid-19
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have observed many changes in how consumers interact with eCommerce. For instance, now, more than one-third of consumers shop online every week, which is a considerable increase in online purchases and shipping (a 28% increase to be precise!)
So, in light of that, if you are an eCommerce merchant, and you would like to better understand the shopping behaviours of the modern consumer, read on.
In this blog, we have examined the top reasons why online purchases and deliveries have increased.
As it’s increasingly unsafe to visit local stores, consumers flood to online retailers
The lockdown measures in several countries resulted in many consumers feeling unsafe visiting their local stores.
In the height of the pandemic, even essential shopping was sometimes frowned upon.
Consequently, consumers turned to the internet to get what they need, instead of picking things up while they’re on the go.
This change is especially visible in grocery eCommerce, which especially soared during March 2020, with a 250% rise in daily spendings.
More products and services are available online
To limit the spread of the virus, many non-essential businesses had to close their doors or change the way they interact with customers. While this enforced change meant that many small companies went bankrupt, others adapted by delivering their products to their customer’s doorsteps from the very first time.
For example, many restaurants that previously didn’t offer deliveries pre-Covid, now offer takeaway services.
Consequently, consumers can now purchase an increasing array of products and services online, which even a few months back, weren’t available.
Staying at home has unleashed a new demand
Those that had to self isolate at home for many months found themselves purchasing stuff they wouldn’t have ordinarily needed. Most notably, products that fulfil a need that the customer would have usually found outside of their home.
For example, with the closure of gyms during the pandemic, we suddenly saw an increased demand for at-home workout equipment. In fact, fitness sales grew by 170% during the lockdown.
Many consumers similarly refreshed their interest in DIY, gardening and cooking. For many, these activities empowered people to make good use of their additional time spent at home. So, it’s unsurprising that we also saw growth across these industries too.
On a similar note, more and more of us started working from home, and as such, had to invest in better at-home workspaces. Logitech webcams, for example, sold out in April.
The need for entertainment
Above all, the pandemic left a lot of consumers feeling listless and bored.
So, it is no wonder that subscription-based services have skyrocketed, or that entertainment-based brands like Netflix have flourished.
Final Thoughts
The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged a change in today’s shopping behaviours. Online shopping has never been as essential for keeping us connected, entertained, and well-supplied. However, it’s worth noting that not all product categories have seen an influx in sales and deliveries.
Until this blows over, we will likely find the consumer behaviour listed above cementing as we adapt to the ‘new normal’.
To learn more, get in touch with us today.
In the meantime, please check our Vehicle Weighing solution here.