Coresight Research undertook a survey of consumer concerns, views and behavior changes in light of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
The survey, which took place March 17-18, found:
• Some 79% of respondents are somewhat or extremely concerned about the coronavirus.
• Already, 4.2% had lost their job because of the coronavirus outbreak, with a further 12.7% worried they could.
• Less than 7% think the severe impact will last less than a month, with most thinking it will last 1-4 months, while over one in five think the severe disruption will last five months or more.
• Shopping centers/malls are currently the third most avoided type of location, but that jumps to first place if the outbreak worsens.
• Some 52.1% of all respondents reported buying more of some categories in response to the outbreak while 29.5% said they were buying less of other categories.
• Two-thirds expect to make more purchases online if the outbreak continues.
• Almost half (47.4%) of respondents expect to retain changed behaviors after the outbreak ends, such as more hygienic practices and a focus on health and wellness. Fewer respondents said they will continue to buy more online and less in stores after the outbreak is contained.
A total of 79% of respondents are somewhat or extremely concerned about the coronavirus, with more than one-third saying they are extremely concerned. Just 5% show no concern.
