European Commission data shows that COVID-19 has altered consumption patterns, with consumers shopping closer to home and supporting local businesses.

As well as ‘greener' choices, consumers are willing to pay more for a product that is more durable.

Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said: “The pandemic left a mark on consumers; while 38% of them were concerned about being able to pay their bills, another 42% decided to postpone major purchasing decisions.

“On a positive note, findings also show that 56% of consumers are mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases.”

Main findings

• 71% of consumers shopped online in 2020,
• On average, 38% of Europeans were concerned about paying their bills the following month, but the difference between Member States was significant, ranging from 7% to 71%. Just 30.3% expressed this worry in Ireland, compared with 16.7% in Luxembourg, and 50.5% in France,
• 42% of consumers considered postponing a major purchase and 80% would not make any travel plans until the situation was back to normal in their country,
• 56% of consumers said environmental concerns influenced their purchasing decisions, and 67% said that they bought products that were better for the environment, even if such products were more expensive. Another 81% shopped closer to home and supported local businesses,
• Consumer trust in retailers remained high (at 80%), extensive knowledge of consumer rights remained low (at 27%) and the share of consumers confronted with a purchasing problem for which they felt they could legitimately complain remained low (at 23%).