By SWNS Staff
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
Seven in 10 Americans have experienced a wake-up call to avoid big corporations and shop small during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research.
The study asked 2,000 Americans how they’ve handled the novel coronavirus’ impact on their local communities and how they’re supporting each other in this difficult time.
Seventy-one percent of those surveyed said they’re now shifting their shopping habits to supporting small and local businesses rather than big corporations or chains.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Canva, the survey found that 79% of respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their perspective on just how important small businesses are to their communities.
During their time sheltering in place, respondents shared they’ve supported an average of 10 small businesses.
Forty-three percent of respondents said the top way they’ve been supporting their local businesses is by ordering take-out and delivery.
Over half of those surveyed also said they’re tipping their delivery drivers more than they normally would – up to 28% of their bill, in fact.
Another four in 10 respondents said they’ve been supporting their local businesses by shopping online and another 38% have been donating money.
Three in 10 respondents are also writing online reviews and sharing their local businesses’ social media posts to support them during this time.
Despite their individual support of local businesses, 74% of those polled are also worried that their favorite local spot may not financially survive the pandemic.
And perhaps because of this worry, 77% of respondents said they plan on supporting more local businesses once things return to normal after the coronavirus pandemic.
“Recent months have stressed the importance of acting with kindness and compassion - especially when it comes to supporting our local communities in a time where small businesses are struggling to break even and keep their employees,” said Canva’s Trends and Data Analytics Lead, Dr. Tim O’Keefe.
Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed said the top business they can’t wait to visit again after the pandemic was their local coffee shop.
Another 51% can’t wait to book a reservation at their favorite restaurant and 31% can’t wait to sit down and have a drink at their local bar.
Other top stops after COVID-19 included paying a visit to the hair salon, nail salon and local clothing store or boutique.
“Around the world, we’re seeing millions of small businesses quickly adapt so they can continue operations. We’ve also seen a surge in the use of Canva’s free small business templates, with the creation of takeout menus growing by 66% as restaurants pivot to offering delivery-only, new marketing material to promote how distilleries are now producing hand sanitizer, and the adoption of personalized Zoom background designs for personal trainers running virtual classes. It’s incredibly inspiring to see this positive trend towards innovation, determination and camaraderie across the globe.”
TOP WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19
- Ordering delivery/take-out - 43%
- Shop online - 39%
- Donating money - 38%
- Buying gift cards - 34%
- Writing reviews online - 31%
- Sharing their social media posts - 30%
- Posting about them on my social media - 26%
TOP BUSINESSES AMERICANS ARE MOST EXCITED TO VISIT AGAIN AFTER COVID-19
- Coffee shop/cafe - 58%
- Restaurant - 51%
- Hair salon - 37%
- Gym/fitness studio - 36%
- Local clothing store/boutique - 33%
- Bar - 31%
- Nail salon - 23%
