Reports Predict Consumer Behavior in a Post-COVID World

As life in quarantine continues, both individuals and corporations have, notably, made adjustments. Though in planning, it is important to consider that business-as-usual may not be quite the same. The latest intelligence from Harris Polls indicates permanent changes may occur in key industries with shifts to non-public, virtual alternatives. This is perhaps most evident in consumer sentiment toward gyms, with 85 percent of consumers relaying plans to continue exercising at home post-pandemic. As previously reported by WWD, the fitness industry has made one of the most prominent reinventions amid COVID-19, building loyalty through new online practices including Instagram stories and classes on YouTube. The company’s findings show evidence that socializing may also be altered long term. When the crisis ends, 67 percent of consumers told Harris Polls they would still be more likely to have virtual happy hours with friends over going to a bar for happy hour. Similarly, 65 percent of respondents said they are more likely to get takeout from a restaurant over dining in a restaurant. This sentiment, however, did have exceptions. Notably, data showed that Americans prefer shopping in-store for groceries with just 27 percent saying they prefer ordering through delivery services. Americans also prefer in-person doctor visits at

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

from WWDWWD https://ift.tt/2zaS3Dm