Here at Nextdoor, we regularly survey our neighbors to get a pulse on their habits. In 2020, we began a new series to offer insights on developing neighborhood trends in the wake of the pandemic.
In our latest report, we address how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted our finances. While businesses everywhere were forced to make difficult decisions due to the crisis, some of the consumer habits that were necessitated following shutdowns actually spell good news for local businesses.
Created in partnership with GWI, the full report can be found here.
Some highlights from our latest report:
A fifth of neighbors rely more on local businesses than they did pre-pandemic
Not surprisingly, neighbors’ shopping habits had to change abruptly with the shut downs, but they wanted to support local businesses whenever possible. With non-essential businesses closed and staying close to home required, neighbors heavily relied on local businesses to get what they needed then – and one-fifth of them continue to do so now, even with lockdown restrictions lifted in many places. Moreover, when asked whether they’d prefer to shop at local retailers versus big, Nextdoor members chose the former.
Key takeaway for your business: A new cohort of loyal customers has come to rely on you. Familiarize yourself with the products or services they most often purchase so you can continue to fulfill their needs.
More neighbors are ordering online and/or using pickup service for things like groceries, fast food, household products, and more
Many people began ordering goods online and either had them delivered or picked them up with curbside service during the pandemic. Of Nextdoor members, 69% of those who began using curbside pickup for grocery shopping are planning to continue once the outbreak is over. That represents a 31% increase in online grocery shopping among neighbors in 2020.
Key takeaway for your business: Online ordering and curbside pickup are here to stay. If you haven’t started offering these services, consider doing so ASAP.
Neighbors’ anticipation for returning to restaurants, movies, concerts, and bars post-lockdown is high
After staying home for over a year, Nextdoor members are looking forward to getting back to the activities that they enjoy. Specifically, neighbors want to eat at restaurants, visit movie theaters, attend live concerts, and go to bars, gyms, and museums. With vaccines becoming more widely available, neighbors may soon feel comfortable returning to these “normal” activities.
Key takeaway for your business: Once it’s safe to do so, neighbors can’t wait to return to their favorite pastimes. Make sure they know how to patronize your business – share or post updated hours or offerings, safety measures, and more.
While the events of 2020 changed neighbors’ spending habits and hobbies, the good news is they intend to continue to support local businesses. They are gearing up to revisit their favorite activities and spend the money they “accidentally saved” this past year. Read the full report for more insights on what neighbors’ new spending trends may mean for your business.
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