The response to COVID-19 is altering American life. Social distancing, working remotely, when possible, and the shift of education from public schools to the privacy of living rooms and kitchen tables is the strange new normal.
To better understand the effects of the pandemic on consumer habits and attitudes, the Cotton Incorporated Corporate Strategy & Insights department posed a series of questions to 500 U.S. consumers.
66% of consumers say they feel “very afraid these days.”
63% expect this experience to change the way they shop in the future.
COVID-19 & Consumer Concerns
Age Range Concerned About COVID-19
18% – Age 14-24
40% – Age 25-44
56% – Age 45+
Gender Gap Concerned About COVID-19
72% – Women
57% – Men
Consumers Are Seeking Out Comfort
54% are cooking more often.
54% are eating comfort food more often.
80% are wearing comfortable clothes.
79% just want to curl up in a cozy bed.
Comfortable & Safe Clothing Materials
Consumers rate clothing made from cotton as the most comfortable as well as the safest.
Cotton – Comfort: 70% | Safety: 55%
Spandex – Comfort: 27% | Safety: 27%
Polyester – Comfort: 22% | Safety: 23%
Rayon/Viscose – Comfort: 16% | Safety: 17%
Consumer Spending Habits
Consumers are split. Some consumers are spending more while others are spending less.
36% are spending more than before.
34% are spending less than before.
30% are spending about the same as before.
Largest Categories for Extra Spending
57% – Groceries
48% – Household Supplies
More Online Shopping
32% of consumers are shopping online more than before.
Online Activities
Consumers are spending extra time online doing the following:
62% are reading and/or watching the news.
60% are on social media.
59% are streaming movies or TV shows
Download 10 Things You Should Know About COVID-19.