COVID-19: what consumers expect amidst the current pandemic
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the world has radically changed, with people being encouraged to stay at home technology usage and habits are changing.
Over the past week, AdColony has been analysing the behavioural changes of consumers amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights from the report
- 41% of respondents are switching to online shopping, with 31% reducing the number of visits to the market
- 20% have cut back on their use of public transport
- 85% of people are playing more mobile games, while 47% are playing mobile games every day and 32% are playing new games
- 54% are doing more household chores
- 23% of respondents state that they prefer ads that help them notice products they might need, with user initiated advertising being the most positively perceived format (35%)
As a result of these findings Warrick Billingham, Regional Sales Director, MENA highlights that “with new cases being reported daily, it is an important time for brands to determine their role and tone of voice.”
To help brands manage the impact of COVID-19, Kantar Consulting’s recent research provides updates and insights for preparing for the future, including the direct impact of the virus, insights from the retail industry, and research on a general recession risk, and the analyses of consumers expectations.
Key insights from the report
- Consumers are thinking about the future as well as their current safety and health. Top concerns include: 30% running out of essentials and making ‘panic purchases’, 34% believe this is going to be worse than an economic recession, 46% are worried about falling sick and 60% feel they need to be more proactive about financial planning and security for the future.
- With consumers being more aware they expect brands to show the same care, consideration, and social awareness.
Consumer expectation across sectors
- 65% Insurance products and services
- 59% Food and Beverage products and services
- 56% Consumer Goods products and services
- 55% Health and Wellness products and services
- 45% Banking products and services
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, consumers will continue to become more conscious and focus on their own health, safety, and immediate needs. At this point, if brands can support the consumers and address consumer concerns on that immediate basic-needs level, they will gain their trust in the long term,” comments AdColony.
SEE ALSO:
- The effects of COVID-19 on private and public sectors
- KPMG: six steps to improve cybersecurity amidst COVID-19
- COVID-19: Emirates NBD gives US$441,971 to distance learning
- Read the latest issue of Business Chief, EMEA edition, here
For more information on business topics in the Middle East, please take a look at the latest edition of Business Chief EMEA.
