Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

Purchasing in bulk and online are trends here to stay, according to new consumer-based research. A global study from Momentum Worldwide reveals that only 16 percent of shoppers said they would immediately go back to the way things were before the pandemic. The trends present challenges in marketing and packaging of consumer goods and grocery items. The survey found 84 percent of consumers now shop online. However, 76 percent say they miss casually browsing, even at the grocery store. The results also found 61 percent of consumers plan to do more cooking at home and 60 percent plan to eat healthier. The trends are changing, perhaps permanently, shopping experiences and expectations. The survey found 62 percent of consumers plan to buy more groceries online after the pandemic, and 59 percent say they will purchase more home goods online post-pandemic. Though, 25 percent of consumers say they will leave online grocery shopping after the pandemic.