How the Pandemic Changed Shopping Trends in 2020

When it comes to shopping and lifestyle in 2020, there are hardly any words to describe the major changes people were forced to adopt. From masks to soap and hand sanitizer, many shopping trends were skewed, pushing some companies into bankruptcy and others, such as retail giants, into reaping all the rewards. The next sections discuss how the pandemic changed shopping trends and how it affected people from this perspective. 

Increase in Online Purchases

Without a doubt, online purchases have increased significantly in 2020. As people turned towards virtual stores when they were secluded at home, there is evidence that the demand for discounts has also significantly increased. For instance, the experts behind the website that collects promo codes, Promocodius, state that the request for coupons has increased by 13% compared to 2019. Another interesting finding is that consumer’s interest in brands also increased provided that they offered promo codes, so Promocodius has become one of the most appreciated sources for discounts and coupons. 

Mobile Shopping

As people have turned towards online shopping, more and more customers used their mobile phones. It is estimated that US consumers spent approximately one billion hours on shopping phone applications, an increase of 50% compared to 2019. Also, BOPIS (buy online, pick-up in a store) has been the main winner of the pandemic, increasing by 208% in April compared to the previous year. 

Changing Shopping Patterns

The pandemic has pushed many people to rethink and reorganize their lifestyle which also changed their shopping behaviors. As more people spent time at home, family time, cooking, working, and exercising from their personal space replaced the usual routine. In general, online shopping was based on “at-home” product categories. Here are the most purchased items of 2020 that will surely resonate well into 2021: 

Face Masks

In 2020, the meaning of face masks was changed from merely protective gear to a strong cultural, or even political, symbol. People searched for masks for children, whether antimicrobial masks are efficient, and how to exercise while wearing a mask. 

Air Purifiers

Given the impact of coronavirus on lung health, air purifier is not a surprising product category. While the air we breathe has always been important, this year recorded a surge in the demand for these devices, both at affordable and premium-quality price points. 

Weighted Blankets

The pandemic also left a toll on people’s emotional stability as it was, undoubtedly, one of the most stressful periods some of us have ever experienced. As a result, weighted blankets were considered a practical investment. The blanket is heavy, luring the body into a relaxed state that helps to fight insomnia. 

Skin Care and Makeup 

Although this category has always enjoyed its attention, consumers’ demands changed significantly. Before 2020, the main concerns were related to acne, dry skin, and regular makeup. This year, however, more and more people battled “maskne”, looked for pore strips, and searched for makeup that is resistant to mask friction. 

Stationary Bikes

With gyms closed and more and more people staying at home, stationary bikes registered a significant increase in consumer interest in 2020. Even though they have organically increased in recent years, people in quarantine or general social isolation considered stationary bikes as suitable investments. 

Tech and Audio

Technology has never been a lacking shopping category; nonetheless, between lots of spare time and Zoom calls, people have invested more and more in their tech devices. Audio systems also increased in popularity since most individuals want to cut down the background noise, hear better, or be heard better by their colleagues. 

Pets

Fortunately, furry friends all around the world enjoyed more attention than ever in 2020. Most owners pampered their pets with higher quality products, whether they were treats or other pet accessories and toys. 

Summary

All in all, 2020 was a turning point in most people’s lives. It came with hardships, the need for change and adaptation, and these factors were reflected in people’s shopping behaviors. Experts estimate that these will continue in 2021, too, so retailers must make efforts to satisfy the new demands.