COVID-19 increasing consumer focus on 'ethical consumption'
Pandemic accelerating digital adoption and likely to cause long-term changes in consumer behaviors
The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to alter consumer behaviors permanently and cause lasting structural changes to the consumer goods and retail industries, according to findings of an Accenture survey of more than 3,000 consumers in 15 countries across five continents.
The survey, which was conducted between April 2 and April 6, after many countries had implemented stay-at-home orders, found that consumers have already begun shifting their purchasing priorities. For instance, consumers overall said they were currently buying more personal hygiene and cleaning products, as well as canned and fresh foods than they had been two weeks prior—while purchasing fewer fashion, beauty and consumer electronics items.