• by Ray Schultz , March 23, 2020

Consumers are being more cautious about visiting stores. But that is not translating to greater online buying, according to a study by the shopping rewards app Shopkick. 

Of 24,400 individuals polled, 76% say they have changed their behavior in light of the crisis.

But 76% are not shopping online more frequently. However, of those who are shopping online more frequently, 60% say they will continue to do so in the future."

Yet 47% are stocking up on essential items at stores, with 78% of these saying it makes them feel safer. Among the products are food items and water (93%), toiletries (74%), cleaning supplies (58%), medicine and medical items (45%) and pet supplies (41%).

Almost 100% claim household essentials are selling out at their usual stores. These items include toilet paper (97%), hand sanitizer (93%), disinfecting wipes (91%), bottled water (69%), medical items (64% ) and canned goods (54%).

Despite the new conditions, 43% of those polled are maintaining their spending on fun, and 5% have increase their outlays for non-essential purchases.

“Right now, it is critical for retailers to have a finger on the pulse of what is most essential to consumers, especially as the situation continues to evolve,” states David Fisch, general manager of Shopkick.