How do pandemics such as Covid 19 impact consumer behavior?

Since the beginning of pandemic many things have changed from the way it was before. Its impact is far
from what we expected and is now affecting many aspects of our life. Consumer behavior is also
affected due to these sudden changes. Malls, grocery stores, and other establishments were closed to
minimized the spread of the virus. People were forced to stay at home for their safety and limit the
numbers of allowed persons to go out. This impacted the consumer’s behavior, from their buying,
consumption, and other habits. Consumers developed habits over time about what to consume, when,
and where.

With lockdown and social distancing, consumers were limit to go to many shops and this resulted to
location constraint and shortage. Consumers are unable to go to the grocery store or the shopping
centers. In order to cope on this circumstance, online shops and other social media applications
become popular to many consumers. In addition, consumer’s consumptions were also changed due to
Covid-19 pandemic. They started to stockpile hygiene products for their daily needs such as toilet paper,
disinfecting and cleaning products which causes stock outs and shortages. Not only the consumer’s
buying behavior was affected but also their time become limited. Consumers are prisoners at home with
limited space which leads to too many needs and wants but with only limited resources. The old habit of
consumers was replaced with new ones to adjust on what is now new normal.