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You’re hardly alone if you’ve found yourself spending more impulsively during the coronavirus pandemic, a new report claims, as 72 percent of Americans polled agreed that shopping has become a surefire mood-booster during these trying times.
In a survey of 2,000 Americans conducted last month, OnePoll and shopping site Slickdeals asked participants how their shopping habits have changed since the COVID-19 outbreak began, news agency South West News Service (SWNS) reports. According to the findings, respondents admitted to dropping about 18 percent on retail therapy each month amid the coronavirus crisis, spending about $182.98 on impulse buys. Comparatively, folks claimed they were spending $155.03 superfluously in January, before the pandemic began.
You’re hardly alone if you’ve found yourself spending more impulsively during the coronavirus pandemic, a new report claims. (iStock)
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In terms of big-ticket items, most participants said they spent about $156.53 on something special, while 27 percent polled forked over even more, buying a big purchase that cost over $200.
Whether or not these shopping sprees are good for the wallet, people said they’re lifting spirits. In the report, 72 percent of respondents said that impulse shopping during the pandemic has positively affected their mood.
What’s more, some have justified this spending as savvy shopping – 52 percent of those polled said they’re inclined to spend when they’re seizing a deal, instead of buying at a set retail price.
“In these uncertain times, consumers are looking to stretch their dollars even further, and impulse purchasing can actually serve as a tool to do so,” Josh Meyers, CEO of Slickdeals CEO, told SWNS. “While someone may not plan to buy laundry detergent or groceries on a given day, stocking up on these everyday items when there’s a great deal available can help your budget.
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“As such, impulse spending can be associated with saving money in the long-run as opposed to being wasteful.”
In a larger sense, some respondents said that the pandemic has pushed them to try shopping in new ways. Forty-six percent said they have recently ordered groceries online for the first time, while 35 percent claimed they tried a new restaurant delivery app. For entertainment, 47 percent said they’ve tried a new streaming service as well.
Once the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus is no longer considered a worldwide threat, consumer shopping habits may be changed forever. According to the poll, 71 percent of participants said they plan to continue to keep online shopping as much as they have been during quarantine, even after stay-at-home orders are lifted. Read on for the top retail therapy purchases of the pandemic, per the report.
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Top impulse buys:
Cleaning supplies – 42 percent
Hand sanitizer – 38 percent
Toilet paper – 35 percent
Hand soap – 32 percent
Canned food – 31 percent
Dish detergent – 30 percent
Clothing – 22 percent
A special treat – 21 percent
Video games – 20 percent
Home improvement – 18 percent
Headphones – 18 percent
Video game console – 17 percent
Books – 17 percent
Shoes – 17 percent
School supplies – 16 percent
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