Shifting Paradigms: Systematic Literature on Impact of COVID-19 on Global Consumers Buying Behaviour
Keywords:
Consumer Buying Behavior, COVID-19 Pandemic, Online Shopping, Panic Purchasing, E-commerce TrendsAbstract
This study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced consumer buying behavior and their preferences through online and panic buying. With social distancing and subsequent local restrictions and lockdowns becoming the new norm, the sphere of e-commerce captured a record level of development. Hysterical buying because of pictures people posted from supermarkets with empty stores when fear, anger, and sadness drove the purchase decisions of consumers, resulted in stockpiling and revenge buying. These were such as perceived scarcity, social influence and an increased risk sensitivity related to health and finance. This paper makes a systematic review of the shifts in consumer behaviour paradigms in the lockdown period especially regarding online shopping, pick up options, and changing in-store experience. Trust, privacy, and ethical issues any self – service operations in e – retailing were found to play a significant role in governing customer loyalty. This article underlines the concepts of Consumer Learning theory which help retailers to adjust to change in consumer needs to survive in the “new normal” and maintain good relations with the customers.
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