Brits shelve major purchases amid coronavirus crisis

Many Brits are delaying major purchasing decisions due to the effects of the coronavirus lockdown, according to research by Mapp.

The cloud-based digital marketing provider surveyed 1,194 Brits. It found that 41% are putting major purchasing decisions on hold.

The most likely products to be delayed are white goods (15%), followed by cars (9%) and properties (6%). 40% of consumers plan to spend as little as possible for the coming months. Indeed, 47% believe that the coronavirus crisis will have a significant impact on their spending habits over the next 12 months.

Furthermore, 37% have revealed that they are visiting e-commerce sites a lot less than usual; and 60% admit that they are more careful with what they spend their money on. The most frequently used words in response to the question “What is the first thing you will do as soon as the isolation is over?” were “family”, followed by “work” and “friends”. The word “shop” came fourth.

52% of Brits, meanwhile, expect to be in isolation for up to three months. Ricardas Montvila, Senior Director, Global Strategy, Mapp Digital, comments: “It is a great reminder for brands to continue going the extra mile for their vulnerable customers, but also to focus their marketing efforts on brand values and maintaining trust.”