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Fewer consumers are shopping and dining inside as infections increase: ICSC survey

September 1, 2021

U.S. consumers are concerned about the rise of COVID-19 cases in the country, and it’s affecting how some shop, according to ICSC’s latest Coronavirus Consumer Survey. Conducted Aug. 27 to 29, it surveyed 1,001 people.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Cumulative ICSC Coronavirus Consumer Survey results from April 2020 forward

Seventy-six percent of U.S. adults are concerned about the rise of cases, up 5 percentage points from two weeks ago. Among Baby Boomers, 86% are concerned, the highest level, while only 61% of Gen Z consumers are concerned.

Still, 59% of adults have not made significant changes to shopping behaviors beyond basic health and safety precautions like wearing masks. However, the percentage of adults engaging in a normal level of activity outside the home is down 4 percentage points from two weeks ago to 58%.

Consumers sitting indoors at restaurants, bars or other eating places declined by 3 percentage points from two weeks ago to 54%. Those shopping inside malls dropped by 6 percentage points to 46%, and those shopping or browsing inside physical stores for nonessential goods like clothes, electronics and home decor fell 6 percentage points to 62%.

Given the rise in COVID cases:

  • 44% of U.S. consumers are concerned about strained health and medical systems and not enough hospital space
  • 43% about infections among those who cannot be vaccinated or whose health is compromised
  • 42% about negative economic impacts, financial burden and job loss
  • 40% about a return to unavailability or short supply of products

On the whole, consumers agree with lockdowns and government restrictions enacted to reduce COVID-19 infections. Sixty-seven percent would support a lockdown or increased restrictions on activities in the event of significant rises in cases in their states or local communities, up from 61% two weeks ago. And 59% are comfortable with how their states or local communities are handling COVID-19, up from 55% two weeks ago.

Not everyone is comfortable with mask mandates and other restrictions. Some 39% are angry or frustrated at restrictions by the government and/or businesses. Among Millennials, 46% are angry or frustrated, the highest level, while only 35% of Boomers are angry or frustrated.

RELATED: ICSC’s Coronavirus Consumer Survey two weeks ago

By Brannon Boswell

Executive Editor, Commerce + Communities Today

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