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COVID-19 Shopping Changes | Trends & Insights
- The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered consumer behaviour, with some shifts proving temporary while others appear to be long-lasting trends.
- One importent development is the widespread adoption of contactless payments.Nearly two-thirds of consumers who were initially hesitant to try new payment methods embraced them during the pandemic.
- Mastercard reported a surge of nearly one billion contactless payments in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
The pandemic reshaped shopping habits, with lasting impacts on how consumers pay and what they buy. This piece reveals that contactless payments and e-commerce boomed, and remain dominant, with 93% of consumers now open to digital payment options. Another essential insight from this post is that brand loyalty is shifting. in pursuit of better deals, over a third of consumers tried a different brand in 2024, and nearly 40% switched retailers. This price-consciousness, coupled with the continued high demand for cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers and travel to see loved ones, is reshaping the marketplace.News Directory 3 can help you stay up-to-date. Discover what’s next for consumer trends by exploring these findings.
Contactless Payments and Shifting Brand Loyalty Define Post-Pandemic Consumer Trends
Updated June 3, 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered consumer behaviour, with some shifts proving temporary while others appear to be long-lasting trends. E-commerce, contactless payment options, and a willingness to switch brands are among the key changes shaping the post-pandemic marketplace.
One importent development is the widespread adoption of contactless payments.Nearly two-thirds of consumers who were initially hesitant to try new payment methods embraced them during the pandemic. Now, approximately 93% express openness to systems ranging from quick response (QR) codes and biometrics to digital payments.
Mastercard reported a surge of nearly one billion contactless payments in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Moreover, 74% of those who used contactless payments during the pandemic intend to continue doing so.
Craig Vosburg, chief product officer at Mastercard, saeid the pandemic forced a new way of thinking. He added that retailers need to offer a range of accessible and always-on payment solutions to deliver choice and flexibility.
Brand loyalty has also seen a significant shift. McKinstry’s 2024 State of the Consumer report indicates that consumers are increasingly open to exploring alternatives, with brand loyalty declining across various demographic groups.Data from 2024 shows that over a third of consumers tried a different brand, and nearly 40% switched retailers in pursuit of better prices. These trends remain consistent across age groups and countries.
What’s next
As consumers continue to prioritize convenience and value, businesses will need to adapt by offering flexible payment options and competitive pricing to maintain and attract customers in the evolving post-pandemic landscape.