Pricewatch: A report by polling firm Behaviour & Attitudes examines how we are coping, post-pandemic, with a world of inflation and uncertainty
Pandemic lockdowns, when non-essential retailers were closed, helped to normalise online shopping. Photograph: Oscar WongWe are living in an age of hyper-uncertainty with Covid, Russia’s war on Ukraine, inflation and other local and global factors of varying degrees of seriousness making it increasingly difficult to map out a road to the future, according to a recent fascinating, if not entirely cheery, piece of research from Behaviour & Attitudes .
And the report, for all its comprehensiveness, doesn’t even get to the possibility that we will have to ration energy, something that would have been unimaginable even six months ago. One thing which appears not to have changed is our loyalty, which is odd considering our proclaimed propensity to shop around. When presented with the statement, “Once I find a brand that I like it is difficult to get me change,” 59 per cent agreed in 1991, exactly the same percentage that agreed a full 30 years later.
The research suggests that making up for lost time thing has been in evidence since the end of the last lockdown and manifesting itself in different ways. It says there is “great appreciation for brands that went the extra mile during the Covid crisis” but notes that more is expected of brands as “many of the younger/poorer members of society are still really struggling. These are longer term, more chronic issues, but brands in a position to support more marginalised groups will be appreciated for doing so.”
It points out how social-media influencers and tribes are informing consumer decision-making and says that while expert advice is crucial, “we are also strongly informed by the views of people who we feel understand and ‘get’ us”. It warns that while people’s connections on social media “may not actually deliver this, it could well be an illusion, but it is a powerful one all the same”.
“People need to be given strategies and clear direction on what makes a difference – any brands that can do this will be at a big advantage. The feeling that green behaviours should make economic sense for the consumer continues to grow and there will be very little patience for paying more for green options as the cost-of-living crisis kicks in.”
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Homeware giant Wayfair comes to IrelandThe site is known for offering affordable and stylish home furniture and decor, and for having an extensive range. Search for “outdoor rugs” for example, and you’ll be presented with more than 9,000 options
Read more »
No longer a bridesmaid, Meronk blazes a trail for Polish golfAdrian Meronk lifted the brand-new Irish Open trophy today.
Read more »
Spieth, Thomas and Fowler enjoy pints of Guinness during round in TraleeJordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler enjoy pints of Guinness during round in Tralee
Read more »
Flake shortages, GAA jerseys and a pulsating finishShane Lowry finished as the best of the Irish at Mount Juliet.
Read more »