Current trends in consumer behaviour due to COVID-19

• The period of contagion, self-isolation and economic uncertainty has made consumers experiment
to assess what fits best for them and they are now looking at products with a brand-new lens.

• Since the consumers are quickly adapting to the changing trends, companies are also redesigning
their business models by minimizing the price hike, making shoppers feels safe by following
cleaning protocols and contactless delivery, supporting them to use digital methods, etc.

• As per McKinsey report, there has been a growth of 90% in the digital adoption index of India
which means people have started appreciating the ease of going digital. Hence, many B2B and tech
brands can aim at helping workers learn new digital skills. For eg: Byju, a Bangalore-based ed tech
company, released free live classes on their app leading to 200% increase in uptake of students.

• As per a survey report by Capgemini, there has been a surge in the use of online channels; 78% of
the Indian consumers prefer digital payments for buying food and groceries and this trend is likely
to continue. Hence, e-commerce firms in India such as Dominos, Swiggy, Zomato, Uber have
ventured into grocery delivery in partnership with retail chains such as Big Bazaar, Nature’s
Basket.

• According to World Administration Radio Conference (WARC), after months of washing hands
and wearing masks, 85% of consumers in India have adapted to health-conscious way of living
and maintaining hygiene. Hence, brands must consider adopting new technologies in order to help
consumers feel safe.

• As per Covid-19 consumer survey report of McKinsey & Company, 70% of people are going to
spend more time on purchasing safe and eco-friendly products. Hence, brands need to show that
they care for the planet and help users to find sustainable products. For eg: To celebrate Earth Day,
Pinterest added products from small and medium sustainable brands on Pinterest Shop so that
customers could locate them easily.

• The Global Web Index research shows that people are unwilling to lose their money on cancelled
flights or hotels and 49% of them are planning for domestic vacations. Thus, brands can use VR to
allow customers to discover and explore new places. For eg: AirBnB has added a range of online
experiences from around the world allowing people get a virtual experience.

• It has been observed that whenever there is some disruption in the economies at a large scale,
consumer behaviour observes economic, social and psychological changes.

References: https://www.strategy-business.com/article/Consumer-companies-must-take-leaps-
not-steps?gko=93010

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019%20is%20changing%20consumer%20behavior%20now%20and%20forever/how-covid-19-
is- changing-consumer-behaviornow-and-forever.pdf