CONSUMERS MAY BID FINAL ADIEU TO PRE-COVID WAYS PF SHOPPING

A survey has said that the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to alter the consumer behaviour permanently and cause lasting structural changes to the consumer goods and retail industries.

The demand for local goods and brands is growing as consumers are hesitant to step out of their safety zones to resume previous consumption patterns, according to Accenture COVID-19 Consumer Pulse Research report.

The survey polled 2,500 consumers in India among 45,000 respondents globally, between March and June, it said.

"The India leg of the survey found that 90% of consumers are making lasting changes to how they live, work and shop, and there is no going back to the pre-pandemic world for consumer brands," the report said.

The survey found that the pandemic is causing more people to shop for groceries online.

The demand for local products, digital commerce and omnichannel services such a home delivery, chat features and virtual consultations is surging, and is likely to endure beyond this crisis, it said.

Consumers are now focused on their most basic needs while cutting back on nonessentials, the report said.

"They are more mindful of what they are buying, striving to limit food waste, shopping more cost consciously and are making healthier and environmentally sustainable choices," it said.

As many as 85% of the consumers in India said that they are shopping more health-consciously and are focusing more on limiting food waste.

While, 75% of consumers said they are being more cost-conscious when shopping for products and 71% feel that quality, safety and trust are the most considered brand attributes in purchase decisions.A majority of respondents are now focusing on their personal health, it said. "Staying-athome and working from home are becoming the norm. The ways in which people spend their leisure time are changing because of the outbreak and related social distancing measures, and again, these habits are likely to continue," it said.