Grocery Shopping before, during and after the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Consumer Behavior
• Pandemic Studies
• Food Retailing

Background:

• Grocery shopping behaviors and attitudes were examined pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Online and offline shopping modes were a key focus.
• Pre-pandemic, in-person shopping was more common, though not always preferred.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare consumer grocery shopping attitudes and behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To investigate the role of the need for control in online versus offline grocery shopping preferences.
• To understand shifts in consumer needs during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of grocery shopping attitudes and behaviors.
• Qualitative research to explore underlying psychological factors.
• Examination of online and offline shopping trends.

Main Results:

• During the pandemic, online grocery shopping adoption increased significantly.
• Pre-pandemic, a higher need for control was associated with a preference for online shopping.
• Pandemic-related needs for food security and safety superseded the need for control, diminishing observed differences.
• A growing desire for in-person grocery shopping has emerged.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered consumer grocery shopping behaviors.
• Basic needs like food and safety became primary drivers, influencing shopping mode preferences.
• Post-pandemic, a resurgence of in-person grocery shopping is anticipated, potentially surpassing online trends.