Average transaction amount in selected wholesale clubs U.S. 2020

During the period from February 24 to March 1, 2020, the average transaction value across wholesale club retailers increased when compared to the period from January 1 to February 23. The average transaction value in BJ's Wholesale Clubs increased from 82 U.S. dollars to 98 U.S. dollars in that time period. These increases were likely triggered by the coronavirus pandemic which has led to increased bulk purchasing of staple goods amongst consumers.

What foods are purchased during the Coronavirus outbreak?

Sales of non-perishable foods surged in the United States in March due to consumer's fear over coronavirus. Packaged goods saw the highest percentage of growth in sales out of all edible grocery items. Beverages and alcohol also had a substantial increase in sales, as did snack items such as cookie variety packs, perhaps indicating that consumers would like comfort foods and drinks to treat them through long periods of isolation at home.

What items are bulk purchased?

About 28 percent of U.S. Americans have bought up large quantities of groceries, including bulk amounts of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. As such, paper products have seen a 59 percent increase in sales growth while hand sanitizer saw a sales increase of over 80 percent. Across the retail sector, staying at home in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus has resulted in increased purchases for categories such as entertainment at home and non-food child products.

For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.