This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
June 19, 2020
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most noticeable changes has been in the way people shop. The pandemic has accelerated a shift towards online commerce, with consumers increasingly opting for digital payments over cash transactions.
According to a survey conducted by Visa, a leading digital payments company, consumers in various countries, including Kenya, have been adapting to the new normal. The survey found that 65% of consumers have been going grocery shopping less often, while 49% have been taking public transportation less often.
However, the pandemic has also led to an increase in online shopping, with many consumers purchasing essentials such as vegetables, medicines, and toiletries online. In fact, 39% of consumers surveyed said that COVID-19 had led to their first online grocery purchase, while 43% had made their first online purchase from pharmacies.
Food delivery services have also seen a significant boost, with many consumers relying on bodaboda riders to deliver food and drinks to their doorstep. The survey found that contactless payments had increased by 88% post-COVID-19, with many consumers opting for mobile money payments.
As consumers and merchants focus on safety and hygiene, there has been a shift towards online commerce, with cash transactions being replaced by digital payments. However, this shift has also had a negative impact on cash-only retailers, who are having to find quick ways to adapt.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant change in the way people shop, with a shift towards online commerce and contactless payments. It is essential that merchants across the globe understand consumer behaviors and adapt accordingly.
