Changes in Consumption Habits During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a significant impact on Mexico in political, cultural, social, and, above all, economic terms; however, in the marketing sphere, it has altered consumers’ reality by changing their consumption habits. It is important to address and analyze the potential changes that have occurred in purchasing dynamics because understanding these changes can lead to the creation and implementation of innovative strategies and business opportunities. Although the study of consumer behavior can encompass different disciplinary approaches, this paper analyzes the main factors that influenced changes in Mexican consumers’ purchasing and consumption patterns during the pandemic, across its three distinct stages: before, during, and after the purchase. This is because, following the health emergency, both businesses and consumers will need to adapt to new models of consumption, supply, and demand. This text describes how purchasing dynamics changed in Puebla, Mexico, through descriptive research using qualitative data obtained via focus groups. The results highlight potential changes in consumption habits that could translate into business opportunities.