If trends continue, Amazon and Walmart.com shoppers may choose local merchants. Who would have thought shopping trends could shift back to the local merchant. In an era when online retailers are taking massive shares of the market with Amazon and Walmart.com on top of the retail list, Covid-19 could have some real impact on the way individuals choose to purchase items.
The year 2020 has been riddled with the unknown. Lockdowns have captured much of the country, and while people have done their best to stay away from others to prevent further spread of Covid-19, or what is commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, it has become a change factor. This virus has dramatically shifted public policy and has created a space to question governmental oversight during pandemics. While some are not happy with the way political leaders have chosen to direct the public during the crisis, others are praised for their policies and decisions. This unprecedented time has some panicked, others doubting, and even more desiring to reconnect with “real” people, rather than to operate their interactions via Zoom, Skype, social media, and through text and phone calls. Whatever your opinion, we all can agree, Covid-19 has dramatically changed our lives.
The Harvard Business Review cites there is a need for retailers “to offer a simple and seamless e-commerce experience — from browsing to researching, selecting, purchasing, and returning/exchanging.” Retailers must adapt and be ready to reach all their potential customer base as the speed of e-commerce shopping has increased due to the pandemic. Yet, people are beginning to get jaded by the constant lockdowns and self-isolation that has occurred for much of 2020. John Hopkins Medicine wrote an article about dealing with “Coronavirus Burnout and Pandemic Fatigue.” Articles like John Hopkins are springing forth as individuals are becoming more-and-more fatigued with mandates and precautions presented.
As Coronavirus fatigue hits America, it’s essential to realize the potential results, which may arise. One of the products may be a return to in-person shopping once the pandemic is over. Now, the long-term shopping trends may continue toward e-commerce, but as the pandemic comes to a close, at some points, we believe shoppers will go into their communities and get some of their covid jitters out. People will want personal interaction, conversation, physical touch, and to say “hi” to others. Self-isolation has caused many of us to rethink our lives, and a deter in shopping trends could directly result from this pandemic.
