One sector significantly affected by the pandemic crisis is undoubtedly the consumer behaviour of people around the world. Understandably, the new reality imposed by the pandemic, has led to changes in hierarchies and priorities in terms of the purchase and use of products and services.
A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Consumer Protection (KEPKA) in cooperation with the research company Prorata, showed, among other things, that there is a decrease in consumption during the pandemic period but consumers' interest in the quality of the products they buy remains steadily increased.
The survey was conducted online between 19 and 26 May 2021 among 651 people over 17 years old who are permanently resident in Greece. The survey highlighted a number of findings that capture the attitudes and perceptions of citizens and how these potentially influence their consumption and purchasing behaviour in the midst of a health crisis unprecedented for the global community and affecting many aspects of human activity. More specifically:
Compared to the period before the pandemic outbreak, 50% of survey participants said that they now buy products and services less frequently than before, in general.
Compared to the period before the pandemic outbreak, 78% of consumers said that they are as concerned about the quality of the products they buy as before. A 16% said that they are more concerned now than before while a 6%, less than before.
Compared to the period before the pandemic outbreak, 51% say they buy products less often during the discount periods (winter and summer sales).
More than 7 out of 10 people often or always choose a small or medium-sized store for their shopping, almost 5 out of 10 people choose a large chain store such as Public, Zara, etc. and almost 2 out of 10 people choose a mall.
According to the respondents' answers, compared to the period before the outbreak of the pandemic, there are some changes in the frequency of purchase of certain types of products. More specifically:
Clothing shows a marginal increase in online and physical purchases compared to the period before the outbreak of the pandemic.
In household goods, there is no change in online shopping but a large decrease in physical shopping compared to the period before the pandemic outbreak.
In cosmetics, there is a slight decrease in online shopping and a large decrease in shopping in physical stores.
In technology products there is a significant increase in online purchases and an even more significant decrease in purchases from physical stores compared to the pre-covid 19 era.
The majority of respondents said that they do not intend to buy a car or motorbike, buy private health insurance, change gas/electricity provider or telecoms provider in the next 12 months. However, around 3 in 10 respondents said that they intend to take a trip abroad in the next 12 months.
Finally, about half of the respondents say that their household income has remained the same compared to the period before the pandemic outbreak, 40% that it has decreased either a lot or a little, while 10% that it has increased either a lot or a little.
