Wednesday 18 November 2020 The rise of the socially-conscious shopper continues according to Deloitte’s latest State of the Consumer Tracker, as 50% of those surveyed reported that they would be happy to spend a little more money on products that are sourced locally (up 6% on the previous wave) and 40% agreed that they purchase more from brands that have responded well to the crisis (an increase of 3%).
There is a slight increase in people’s concern for their own physical wellbeing (up 1% on the previous wave of research to 53%) and concern for the health of family members also increased by 2% (to 3665%).
Interestingly, concerns over the prospect of job loss decreased by 2% to 36%, however concern over returning to the workplace was up 2% to 36%.
The survey also found that while anxiety levels decreased slightly in Ireland since the last wave, they have increased across Europe since the last wave.
Deloitte’s State of the Consumer Tracker is the a monthly survey, which tracks Irish consumers’ attitudes towards personal wellbeing, financial concerns, travel and hospitality, transport and retail. The results are based on a survey of 1,000 consumers across 19 countries respectively (1,000 Irish consumers). The most recent data was gathered between 29 October and 4 November, immediately following the introduction of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions nationwide.
Commenting on the latest results, Daniel Murray, Partner and Head of Consumer at Deloitte Ireland, said,
Shopping & spending intent
The survey recorded a significant decrease in Irish consumers’ confidence in engaging in person-to-person services, down 5% since the previous wave of research to 49%. There was also a large decrease in those reporting that they would feel safe going a restaurant, down 11% to 32%. Confidence in visiting shops was down 3% to 61% – perhaps unsurprising, as Covid-19 case numbers were seeing a spike and Level 5 restrictions had been newly introduced.
While there was no change in consumers’ willingness to shop online and pick up instore, increases were recorded in consumers’ intent to shop online and have goods delivered across various sectors, including for electronics (46%, up 12%), takeaways (33%, up 6%) and clothing (46%, up 15%).
There were increases in spending intention on utilities (up 7% since the previous wave), groceries (up 9%) and household goods (up 8%). Meanwhile, spending intention on more discretionary items saw a decrease, including takeaways (down 7%) and clothing and footwear (down 8%).
The findings of the latest wave of research suggest that the rise of the socially-conscious shopper continues. 50% reported that they would be happy to spend a little more money on products that are sourced locally, up 6% on the previous wave. 40% agreed that they purchase more from brands that have responded well to the crisis, an increase of 3%.
Travel, Hospitality & Tourism
The survey recorded a decrease of 9% in intent to spend on travel among Irish consumers. Those planning to stay in a hotel for leisure travel over the next three months decreased by 10%; and confidence in staying in a hotel was down by 3%. Confidence in air travel, meanwhile, saw a slight increase of 1%.
Those wishing to purchase their next vehicle online saw an increase of 3% since the previous wave of research. 60% intend to keep their current vehicle for longer than originally planned, an increase of 2%. Additionally, there was an increase in those intending to limit their use of public transport over the next three months (70%, up 5%) as well as those intending to avoid ride-hailing services (64%, up 5%).
Issued by Murray on behalf of Deloitte Ireland
Orna Clarke
Murray
01 498 0300
087 677 0360
Fiona MacCarthy
Deloitte
086 825 0027
About the State of the Consumer Tracker
This monthly study is fielded using an online panel where consumers 18 years of age and older are invited to complete the survey (translated into local languages) via email. It is fielded in 19 countries (targeting 1,000 respondents per country/ wave). The survey field period was 29 October to 4 November 2020.
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