The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way how people buy things. Many dedicated market goers are now shifting to purchases delivered at doorstep to minimise outdoor activities and contact with other people due to the fear of contracting the virus, finds a Localcircles survey.

A majority of consumers (74%) in red zone districts are in no mood to spend on non- essentials when lockdown is relaxed, it shows.

Overall, the numbers in this survey show a big shift in consumer mindset post COVID-19 lockdown, as 42 percent now want to get items of need delivered to their doorsteps so that they could follow the social distancing protocols.

Of those who plan to buy non-essentials, 33 percent will order via eCommerce while 41 percent will visit a retail store, it said.

Also, after the lockdown relaxation, when it comes to services, people will spend most on air-conditioner, fridge, appliance repairs, home repairs and salon/beauty services.

Discretionary spending has taken a massive hit as consumers are deferring non-important purchases due to the uncertainty caused by the spread of Coronavirus.

For many people, life is inconvenienced because of lack of availability of repair services. For some, they are unable to work from home because the laptop they were using broke or the air conditioner or refrigerator at home stopped functioning. These are now must have items in urban Indian homes.

In states like Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Mumbai which have been under the lockdown for almost 50 days now, the consumer concerns are the highest where many haven’t been able to get products and services they need.

Survey demographics

24,000+ responses were received from more than 13,000 citizens located in over 124 districts of India. 69 percent respondents were males while 31 percent respondents were females. 61 percent respondents were from tier 1, 28 percent from tier 2 and 11 percent respondents were from tier 3 and beyond locations. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform and all participants are validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.