Almost 45% of the public try to visit stores less frequently, while the number of people shopping in online stores has risen during the past six months from 3.5% to 9%. A significant number of shoppers (13%) continues to top up their stocks of non-perishable products.
Statistics from the survey also show several other trend changes due to COVID-19. Compared with consumer activity this spring (0.7%), home delivery of prepared meals has grown to 4% this autumn, while 11% of those surveyed started purchasing disinfectant products this autumn, compared to half as many in March, (6%).
The situation has had a negative impact on people’s purchasing power and increased caution in spending. Bearing in mind their decrease in income, most respondents – around 60% – are more careful in planning their expenses, not only reconsidering larger purchases within the next year (51%), but also consuming fewer everyday products (44%), as they are not certain about the economic situation and their income.
The survey was undertaken by the major Maxima supermarket chain in collaboration with pollster SKDS in September 2020. It involved 1,005 Latvian inhabitants aged between 18 and 75.
