CHANGES OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOR CAUSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to identify changes in consumer behavior regarding food caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Quantitative research was carried out using the CAWI method among 2,000 consumers selected for the study in a quota manner. The selection of respondents reflected the actual structure of gender, age and region of residence of adult Poles. The study was conducted in March 2022. This article reviews similar studies to identify the major changes in consumer behavior caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers were characterized due to typical socio-demographic characteristics, but also due to the level of perceived stress and trust, as variables that may affect consumer behavior in the era of a pandemic. The most common changes in consumer shopping behavior caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were determined: frequency of purchases, their size, place of purchase, type of food purchased, behavior of other buyers. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected consumer behavior when buying food. It is not known which of these behaviors will persist.

Keywords

• consumer behavior
• food
• stress
• pandemic