1Q: “Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation started (i.e., in the past ~ 3 months), which of the following have you done?” The chart excludes % of consumers selected “none of these.”

2Q: “Which best describes whether or not you plan to continue with these shopping changes once the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has subsided?” Possible answers: “will go back to what I did before coronavirus”; “will keep doing both this and what I did before coronavirus”; “will keep doing this and NOT go back to what I did before coronavirus”, Intent to continue includes respondents who selected “will keep doing both this and that I did before coronavirus” and “will keep doing this and NOT go back to what I did before coronavirus.”

Source: McKinsey & Company COVID-19 Consumer Pulse Surveys, conducted globally September 18-30, 2020

McKinsey’s study indicated that, given consumers’ price sensitivity, value remains the primary reason for trying new brands and new places to shop. Convenience and availability are most often cited as the top motivators for consumers’ decisions about where to shop, while quality and purpose (desire to support local businesses, for example) are more important considerations when choosing new brands.

Retailers are likely to be reflecting these short-term shifts (positive or negative) in their revenue lines. It remains to be seen whether consumer behaviour changes really persist through and after a recovery. Are we creatures of habit, or can we truly embrace change?