The coronavirus pandemic has led to major changes in shopping behaviour – from bulk-buying to online shopping, people have changed what, when and how they shop, according to latest research.
Finder data revealed business for non-essential stores is expected to drop by more than 30%.
Research has found clothing and footwear retailers could be down $1.84 billion and department stores by $1.3 billion over three months.
The sale of household goods is expected to drop by $3.83 billion over coming months.
A Finder survey found Australians are spending 5.3 hours a week shopping online, and spending an average of $187.
However, The Iconic, a leading fashion and lifestyle retailer in Australia and New Zealand, has experienced a dramatic drop in sales since COVID-19.
“Pre-COVID-19, The Iconic were averaging 20 thousand sales a day, now we’re averaging 12 thousand,” The Iconic Head of Fulfilment Centre personal assistant Jessica Enright said.
“We unfortunately had to terminate near 300 casual staff as we were unable to provide enough hours.”
Ms Enright said there was increased online demand for ‘gym-wear and equipment’, and ‘say-at-home, comfortable clothing’, and the closure of Myer stores has led to a noticeable spike sales.
“The Iconic have now re-hired 70 casuals to help with picking and packing. However, with extra staff comes social distancing measures. This means less staff on shift, causing delays with turn arounds and shipping,” she said.
“We’ve placed buffers on orders, so customers are aware of potential delay due to COVID-19.”
