Coronavirus Voice of the Consumer Part 3: What a difference a week makes
With our 3rd wave of insights in the US, and 2nd wave in UK and Italy, we’re getting a clearer picture of how consumers’ attitudes, behaviours – and especially their emotional response as events and circumstances change in each market (view wave 1 and wave 2 in case you missed them)
And we’re seeing what a difference a week can make in consumer reactions and emotions surrounding not only the virus itself, but perceptions toward government, business leadership, social interaction, health and economic prospects.
So far, there’s a fairly consistent pattern emerging around the stages of the emotional journey through the pandemic, though consumers and markets go through it at different paces and times depending on the evolving situation in their area.
As of March 16:
- Italy is in an emotional phase which is a mix of anger and frustration with the initial government response, coupled with personal feelings of anxiety, boredom, and helplessness, though many are nonetheless feeling hopeful about the future
- Americans, having just entered into states of lockdown, are shifting from skepticism and feelings of over-reaction to disbelief, worry it isn’t being taken seriously enough, and personal stress – about schools, jobs, the economy
- UK consumers are trending about a week behind the US in emotional response, with many still viewing the virus as something happening elsewhere and/or that people are over-reacting, though some are beginning to become more worried and wondering if more should be done.
We’ll be tracking again next week in all three countries as the situation continues to evolve. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the summary reports to date as well as for the next wave please get in touch by clicking here.