E-commerce purchase frequency change due to the coronavirus outbreak U.S. 2020

As of March 15, 2020, 23 percent of respondents in the United States said that their frequency of purchasing goods online had increased compared to one month previously. Over forty percent of those surveyed stated that their frequency of e-commerce shopping had not changed at all.

COVID-19 contributes to growth of e-commerce

In general, e-commerce sales have increased in recent years, a trend that was expected to continue through 2024. It is likely that this sector will see further increases due to COVID-19, as many people choose to stay at home and amend their daily routines to avoid catching the airborne virus. However, most retailers still expect some downside revenue implications due to the pandemic.

Consumer purchasing patterns under COVID-19

As they spend longer stretches at home, consumers are purchasing more nonperishable food-items, cleaning supplies, and home entertainment products. This is often done through online marketplaces, such as Walmart or Amazon. In contrast, there has been a decrease in spending in clothing and furniture stores, as most of these locations have been temporarily shut down to help contain the spread of coronavirus.

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