What is 'normal' these days? You queue to get into a shop, 2 metres apart, make sure to put on your mask, apply your sanitiser and then hurry round the store as quickly as possible.
It is hardly surprising that retail sales and consumer spending collapsed by more than 20% in the second quarter of 2020. But if it was just a matter of economics, then spending would bounce back very quickly. But there is also the matter of post-pandemic psychology, and the latest research by Amárach shows that we are forming habits that are anything but normal. Welcome to the 'New Abnormal'.
The latest report updates trend data through to August and highlights the resilience (or is it complacency?) of Irish consumers while also showing how retail customer experiences have improved in recent months (or haven't). Plus consumers' intentions for the future.
Combine the Great Acceleration with the New Abnormal and it looks like Irish consumer markets are in for a turbulent period, even after the public health emergency ends in 2021.
