COVID-19 has impacted online shopping habits Though the number of online shoppers in the U.S. has consistently risen since at least 2016, the coronavirus crisis seems to have supercharged this increase. In fact, nearly half of Americans reported in mid-to-late September that they made more online purchases than usual over […]
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COVID-19 has impacted online shopping habits
Though the number of online shoppers in the U.S. has consistently risen since at least 2016, the coronavirus crisis seems to have supercharged this increase. In fact, nearly half of Americans reported in mid-to-late September that they made more online purchases than usual over the prior seven days.
But the trend isn’t evenly distributed across states, according to LendingTree’s analysis of the latest data from the Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey. This has profound implications for local economies, especially as the pandemic continues. Here’s what else we found.
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A closer look by age, race, education & household income
Age: Younger folks were slightly more likely to make more online purchases in the period covered by the Census Bureau survey, with slight drop-offs for those 40 or older.
Race: Asian and white Americans increased their online spending the most during this period, with more than 50% reporting having done so. Black Americans, on the other hand, increased online spending by just 43.9%.
Education: Online spending increases strictly followed educational levels, with a higher rate correlating to more education. About 29% of respondents without a high school degree said they made more online purchases in the seven-day period, while about 61% with a bachelor’s degree or higher reported the same.
Household income: Similarly to education, there was a correlation between income and online spending habits. Groups with earners of $75,000 or more a year all had at least 50% of respondents report they made more online purchases.
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Online shopping habits when going into debt to make ends meet
Online shopping can be a necessity in more ways than one, particularly during a pandemic. Whether that’s purchasing formula for your child or getting necessary medicine from an online pharmacist, online shopping isn’t always frivolous.
In fact, 57.7% of Americans who used credit cards or loans over the prior seven days to meet spending needs said they made more purchases online during this period, while 43.5% of Americans who borrowed from friends or family said the same.
“Unfortunately, millions of Americans use credit cards as an emergency fund because they don’t have enough money saved away for when financial trouble hits,” said Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst. “Most Americans’ financial margin for error is pretty darn small. Government stimulus and reduced spending during COVID-19 might’ve changed that a bit in recent months, but it is still mostly true.”
For many, credit cards can provide a financial safety net for everyday purchases because:
The full balance doesn’t have to be paid back immediately
They allow for more convenient — and physically distant — spending
A credit limit may be higher than a loan from a friend or family member
Still, it’s important to reassess spending habits to minimize debt, whether you’re adding to your credit card balance or taking out a personal loan.
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How to shop safely online amid the coronavirus crisis
Look into delivery safety standards: Many delivery services are now offering leave-it-at-the-door options to cut down on contact between personnel and customers. But that isn’t available everywhere, and it may pose a theft risk for some. If you have to order from a new site, check out the delivery options and see how the company is addressing safety.
Beware of scams: The pandemic has also become a source for problems like sham charities and face mask orders that never materialize. While online shopping is generally safe, it’s still important to be aware of any potential red flags, like an odd URL or spelling errors. Always search the name of a new site, including words like “fraud” or “scam,” before giving them your billing information.
Use a credit card rather than a debit card: If you purchase from an unfamiliar site, a credit card is going to be a better option, according to Schulz. “That way, if something does go wrong, you won’t be out any real money from a checking account,” he noted. “You’ll simply have to call your credit card issuer and have the charges removed.”
“Ultimately, it’s about trusting your gut,” said Schulz. “Remember that there are countless shopping sites out there. In most cases, that item that you’re dying to have is probably also available on some other website. So don’t be pressured into using a site that you don’t trust.”
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Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed Census Bureau Household Purse Survey data collected from Sept. 16 to 28, 2020, to find where Americans were making more online purchases than usual over the prior seven days.
Here’s a state-by-state countdown of the results.
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51. Wyoming
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 38%
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50. Mississippi
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 39.1%
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49. Louisiana
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 39.8%
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48. Arkansas
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 40%
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47. South Dakota
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 40.1%
In South Dakota, the state’s governor didn’t shut down businesses when COVID-19 hit — and still hasn’t. The fact that retailers never had to close could contribute to fewer South Dakotans turning to online purchasing more.
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46. New Mexico
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 40.2%
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45. Oklahoma
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 40.3%
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44. Montana
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 41.2%
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43. Tennessee
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 41.3%
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Tie 42. Alabama
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 42.5%
Due to COVID-19, Alabama limited in-store shopping occupancy to 50% due to COVID-19.
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Tie: 42. Alaska
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 42.5%
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40. North Dakota
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 43.4%
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39. South Carolina
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 43.6%
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38. West Virginia
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 44.1%
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37. Idaho
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 44.5%
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36. Kansas
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 44.6%
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35. Nevada
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 45.1%
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34. Missouri
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 45.5%
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33. Nebraska
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 45.7%
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32. Iowa
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 46.1%
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31. Kentucky
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 46.2%
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30. Indiana
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 46.3%
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29. North Carolina
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 46.4%
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28. Florida
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 46.5%
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27. Ohio
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 46.7%
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26. Michigan
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 46.9%
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25. Texas
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 47%
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24. Hawaii
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 47.6%
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23. Utah
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 47.9%
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22. Vermont
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 48.1%
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21. Arizona
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 48.3%
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20. Georgia
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 48.6%
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19. Maine
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 48.8%
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18. Wisconsin
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 48.9%
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17. Oregon
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 49.3%
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16. Minnesota
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 49.5%
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15. Colorado
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 50.3%
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Tie: 14. Illinois
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 50.7%
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Tie: 14. Pennsylvania
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 50.7%
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Tie 12: New York
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 51.6%
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Tie 12: Maryland
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 51.6%
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Tie: 10. Delaware
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 52.1%
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Tie: 10. Connecticut
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 52.1%
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8. New Hampshire
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 52.2%
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7. Rhode Island
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 52.5%
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6. New Jersey
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 52.7%
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5. Virginia
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 53%
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4. Washington, D.C.
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 53.4%
Due to COVID-19, in the District of Columbia, retailers can only have a maximum occupancy of 50%.
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3. Massachusetts
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 54.7%
Due to COVID-19, in Massachusetts, retailers can only have a maximum occupancy of 50%.
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2. Washington
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 55.3%
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1. California
Percent of residents who made more purchases online: 56.5%
Due to COVID-19, California follows a tier-based structure in which retail capacity may be capped as low as 25%.
This article originally appeared on LendingTree.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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