Increase in grocery delivery app downloads due to coronavirus outbreak U.S. 2020

In the first half of March 2020, Instacart saw its app downloads grow by over 200 percent from February to mid-March based on consumers' apprehensions about visiting grocery stores during the coronavirus outbreak.

Altered shopping behavior due to COVID-19

As a result of the coronavirus, people around the world are avoiding large public spaces to prevent infection. Many consumers in the United States have, therefore, also been avoiding in-store shopping. In February 2020, about three-fourths of U.S. shoppers stated they were likely to avoid shopping centers and malls, while roughly half reported they would likely stay away from shops in general. As of March 2020, about 75 percent of American consumers stated they would likely purchase grocery store items online if they were confined to their homes due to the virus. Only about one percent said they would not do so.

Lifestyle changes due to COVID-19

The pandemic had effected everyday life, not only shopping behavior. Some of the most common changes made by Americans and Germans were staying at home more, washing hands more, and keeping one’s social distance. People from the United Kingdom were a lot less likely to use cash and more often canceled plans with family and friends.