With the coronavirus crisis continue unabated, half of the shoppers in the UK believe it’s important to support local stores over national chains, reveals a new research.
The study by data and insights firm delineate has also found strong solidarity towards local businesses affected by the lockdown, with two fifths (40%) of people saying they purchase takeaways from cafes, restaurants and bars where possible.
The study reveals that the pandemic is set to make lasting impact on Britons’ shopping habits, as nine in 10 consumers (93%) pledge to reduce their shopping frequency.
However, panic buying of certain items continues for the time being. A quarter (26%) of shoppers said they have bought more toilet paper than usual in the past week, the number rises to 29 percent in the case of store cupboard items such as pasta.
A third (33%) said they were struggling with limited stocks in store and find food shopping a challenge in the current climate. More than a fifth (21%) have had someone else do their food shopping.
The study has also laid bare a trust deficit in brands and retailers, with almost half (48%) of UK adults now worried about food prices, and only 50 percent saying that they trust grocery retailers and supermarkets in this time of crisis.
“It’s clear that the pandemic is uncovering new and tough challenges for retailers,” commented Ben Leet, chief customer officer for delineate. “Brands must be nimble and pivot their strategies to win in consumers’ hearts and minds and accommodate changing purchasing habits.”
