Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Two thirds of consumers still nervous to eat out post-lockdown

Two thirds of consumers remain nervous about the idea of eating out, despite restrictions easing, according to the latest shopper insight from IGD.

The newest report from the ‘Shoppers of Our Time’ research, followed 30 households through COVID-19 and beyond, exploring the changing attitudes towards post-lockdown.


Concerns surrounding the health and safety aspects of eating out are the biggest barrier for nervous diners, with 81% saying they’ll need to be confident about hygiene measures in restaurants before they consider this option.

Simon Wainwright, Director of Global Insights at IGD, said: “With consumers hesitant about going out to eat, foodservice providers will need to demonstrate the safety measures they are taking while providing a relaxing and enjoyable environment.

“Maintaining this balance is going to be exceptionally difficult for some operators with physical space constraints.”

While many consumers claim they are just biding their time before eventually going to a restaurant, a significant number will still need ongoing reassurance in the long run.

Among those who are nervous about eating out, 71% say they will wait a few weeks before going to a restaurant.

Saving money is one of the biggest reasons for staying in, with nearly half of consumers (49%) saying they will eat out less for this reason, rising to 62% among younger groups (18-34-year olds).

Shoppers are also enjoying the social benefits of eating at home, with 46% saying they’ll opt for preparing more meals at home for friends and family rather than going out.

“As well as trying to incentivise consumers out of home, there is also an opportunity for foodservice providers to offer compelling in-home options at a good price in the meantime, as well as takeaway or delivery services longer term,” said Mr Wainwaight.

“With the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme starting this week, we should start to see some bounce back among those who cite cost as a barrier for eating out.”

Looking ahead, the majority of shoppers (81%) are worried about a second spike of COVID-19 and thinking about their shopping options.

Notably, 58% of shoppers say they will try and shop online more in the event of a second spike, while 36% say they will stock up on certain items, with 25-54-year-olds most likely to do this.

The uncertainty for the next few months will likely impact upcoming seasonal events, with 56% and 42% of shoppers respectively saying they’ll be less likely to go to a public event for bonfire night or trick-or-treating for Halloween.

For more insights into the changing behaviours and attitudes of shoppers during lockdown, visit shoppervista.igd.com

More for you

Police officers in Trafalgar Square, London

Police officers in Trafalgar Square, London

Photo: iStock

New Respect Orders to target repeat perpetrators of anti-social behaviour

The government on Friday announced that they will introduce new Respect Orders as part of the Crime and Policing Bill.

The measure, a modernised version of the anti-social behaviour orders that were introduced by the last Labour Government, is aimed at the most serious offenders who plague town centres and neighbourhoods with anti-social behaviour.

Keep ReadingShow less
Exclusive: 'Faulty' pre-Horizon Post Office system led to hundreds of prosecutions

Exclusive: 'Faulty' pre-Horizon Post Office system led to hundreds of prosecutions

Ecco+, another pre-Horizon IT system that was introduced to post masters between 1992 and 1999, was also likely to be faulty due to which hundreds of sub post masters were prosecuted by the Post Office, a leading sub postmaster representative has said.

Speaking to Asian Trader today (22), Calum Greenhow - Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Sub Postmasters (NFSP) stated that Ecco+ system that was introduced between 1992 and 1999 also created problems for sub post masters.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bestway Foundation UK donates £100,000 to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Bestway Foundation UK donates £100,000 to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE SI Pk, Chief Executive of Bestway Group, and Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, presented a cheque for £100,000 to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) at Bestway Group’s Head Office in Park Royal, London last week.

This significant contribution reflects Bestway's ongoing commitment to supporting impactful charitable initiatives that make a difference to the lives of young people across the UK. The presentation was attended by Ruth Marvel OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Laura Puddefoot-Knaggs, Head of Philanthropy and Clare Harris, Senior Relationships Manager from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and Bestway Board of Directors, including Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk, Chairman Bestway Group.

Keep ReadingShow less
GroceryAid: supporting grocery colleagues over the festive season

GroceryAid: supporting grocery colleagues over the festive season

As we head into the busiest time of the year for the grocery industry, GroceryAid is urging people to reach out to them if they find themselves struggling.

The charity helps grocery workers and their families through difficult times and offers a range of financial, emotional and practical support. This includes support for people facing stress, anxiety, low mood or loneliness, as well as debt advice and impartial financial support through GroceryAid’s online financial hub.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sugro UK partners with Britvic to launch industry-first sample box

Sugro UK partners with Britvic to launch industry-first sample box

Leading wholesale buying and marketing group Sugro UK has collaborated with Britvic Soft Drinks, a global organisation with 39 much-loved brands sold in over 100 countries, to launch a groundbreaking Fast Food Sample Box.

The sample box is specifically designed for ICS UK LTD customers, giving them a unique opportunity to sample and experience new Fast Food soft drinks offerings firsthand.

Keep ReadingShow less