COVID Turned Us Into Homebodies - And Those Habits Are Rewiring Our Consumer Behavior, McKinsey Survey Says

"Since COVID, more people have become homebodies and their consumer habits have also changed accordingly. The survey found that consumers now have over three extra hours of free time each week compared to 2019. But that extra time hasn't gone into socializing in the same way as pre-pandemic. Instead, consumers allocate almost 90% of that time to solo activities, including shopping and scrolling on social media."

"With people spending more and more time online, digital platforms are unquestionably influencing consumers' purchase journeys. The survey found that, across markets, there has been an increase in social media use for product research. Around half of the surveyed consumers in emerging markets, such as India, research products on social media before making a purchase. And 29% of surveyed consumers in Germany, the U.K., and the U.S., also say that they've purchased a brand that they learned about through social media."

"Don't Miss: For example, nearly 40% of German, U.K., and U.S. consumers surveyed reported using grocery delivery in the previous week. And over one-third of consumers across all four of these regions identify Amazon or Taobao as their go-to shopping destination for all their needs. Unsurprisingly, food delivery's share of global food service spending has risen from 9% in 2019 to 21% in 2024."

Consumers have over three extra hours of free time weekly compared to 2019 and allocate almost 90% of that time to solo activities like shopping and scrolling on social media. Nearly 40% of German, U.K., and U.S. consumers used grocery delivery recently, and over one-third across four regions use Amazon or Taobao as their primary shopping destination. Food delivery's share of global food service spending rose from 9% in 2019 to 21% in 2024. Around half of consumers in emerging markets research products on social media, and 29% in Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. purchased brands discovered there. Value now centers on time saved, ease of use, and home-connected lifestyle support.

Read at Benzinga