The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly altered consumer behavior worldwide. People have had to adapt their lifestyles, including working from home, changing spending habits, engaging in activities during lockdown, and ensuring their safety from the virus. This situation has led to new habits forming, and this crisis may result in long-term behavioral changes. TerraBKK invites you to explore the anticipated consumer behavior trends that are expected to emerge after the Covid-19 crisis, so businesses can prepare to adjust their products and services accordingly.

Consumers Seek Mental Well-being

                   The Covid-19 outbreak has posed risks to various bodily systems and has impacted the economy and society, leading to changes in people's lifestyles. Amidst uncertainty, many individuals have experienced stress and anxiety, with some needing to quarantine for 14 days and others working from home to avoid contact with others. This has resulted in feelings of stress, depression, and boredom, with a desire to dine out, meet friends, enhance their appearance, or exercise.

                   Once the Covid-19 crisis subsides, the first businesses to recover and gain popularity will likely be restaurants and service industries that help people relieve stress, enjoy themselves, and feel happier. However, in the initial phase, people may still be wary and uncertain about the safety of crowded entertainment venues like concerts and cinemas, leading them to seek more home entertainment options. Therefore, businesses in the entertainment sector should understand the challenges faced by customers post-Covid-19 to create products and services that enhance their well-being.

Consumers Are More Health-Conscious

                   Although health trends were already popular, the Covid-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of the necessity for good immunity, prompting people to take better care of their health to reduce the risk of viral infections. This shift will lead to growth in health-related businesses, including healthy foods, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Additionally, people will prioritize maintaining good health, resulting in rapid growth for home-based fitness businesses as individuals may visit gyms less frequently to avoid crowds and reduce infection risks.

Consumers Are More Concerned About Cleanliness

                   During this period, people are cautious due to fears of infection, leading them to pay more attention to cleanliness, frequently washing their hands, and using sanitizers. Even after the Covid-19 virus has passed, this crisis has taught people to be more vigilant about cleanliness to prevent germs and viruses from entering their bodies. This presents an opportunity for businesses to instill confidence in the cleanliness of their products and services.

                   Many businesses have begun to adapt during this time. For example, several real estate developers are ensuring cleanliness by sanitizing all projects and sales offices, and even restaurants that primarily offer takeout must assure customers of their cleanliness and hygiene. It can be said that the behavior of people who prioritize cleanliness will remain with us long-term, necessitating that businesses adapt to these behaviors.

Consumers Are Seeking Skill Development Opportunities

                   During the Covid-19 outbreak, people have spent more time at home and engaged in self-directed activities such as cooking or baking, inspired by social media challenges and cooking tutorials. They have also focused on cleaning and organizing their homes, seeking DIY content for ideas on home management and decoration, as well as engaging in handmade crafts. Many have started to perform tasks they previously outsourced, such as air conditioning maintenance or car washing, by learning skills from the internet or YouTube. This newfound enjoyment in self-initiated activities may lead to an increased demand for educational courses or products with user manuals after the Covid-19 crisis.

Consumers Are Looking for Virtual Shopping Experiences

                   As people were unable to shop in person, online shopping (E-Commerce) through various platforms surged. Post-Covid-19, people will be accustomed to online shopping, but they will still want to see products in person, leading to a demand for more virtual experiences. Technologies that provide realistic visuals, making consumers feel as if they are physically present, will become increasingly important. For example, international E-Commerce businesses have adopted technology in innovative ways:

                   L’Oreal uses an AR application that allows customers to try on makeup virtually through the app.

                   Converse has an app that uses AR to let customers visualize shoes from the catalog on their feet, helping them see how they look when worn.

                   Even the real estate sector, which was traditionally thought to require in-person visits, has adapted to online sales. Companies like Sansiri, AP Thailand, Ananda, Sena Development, and Grand Unity allow customers to tour projects and model units through various channels, including live streaming and video calls, facilitating those unable to visit in person. Integrating technology into the online shopping experience will provide customers with a sense of realism, helping to expedite their purchasing decisions.

Consumers Are Seeking More Automation

                   It is evident that AI (Artificial Intelligence) has rapidly developed and is widely used. During the Covid-19 pandemic, AI has been utilized for testing and preventing the spread of the virus. It is anticipated that after the Covid-19 crisis, AI will be further developed for businesses that require interaction, potentially replacing human roles entirely in the future. Even if another virus outbreak occurs, these businesses will continue to operate.

                   For instance, Domino’s Pizza employs smart vehicles for pizza delivery, with drivers controlling the vehicles remotely. Source: Trend Watching

                   We believe that after this crisis, consumer behavior will undoubtedly change. Digital transformation will accelerate, with people becoming more health-conscious and seeking increased home entertainment options. These trends will guide businesses in adapting and developing products and services to meet consumer behaviors. TerraBKK hopes that the Covid-19 crisis will pass swiftly, and that all sectors can recover quickly thereafter.

Source: www.skift.com