Prior to March, shoppers would go to the mall or
grocery store — without masks — and scout out
the latest sales.
Now, shopping looks much different.
“The way consumers approach shopping
has understandably changed as a result of
COVID-19,” said Katherine Cullen, senior director
for industry and consumer insights at the
National Retail Federation, in an email.
“With stay-at-home orders and mandatory
store closures, many consumers have utilized
digital channels and tools in ways they may not
have before.”
As how we shop changes (think mobile
shopping and buying online, picking up in
store), we have to adapt as shoppers, too.
The best prices and first available inventory
go to consumers who are more than just
shoppers. They’re also deal-hunting detectives
and strategists.
Here’s how to shop smart in the midst of
the pandemic.
PUT ON YOUR DETECTIVE HAT
While some in-demand products, such as hand
sanitizer and toilet paper, have become easier
to find after initial shortages at the onset of
stay-at-home orders, items like disinfecting
wipes still aren’t readily available.
To get a shot at any popular products, sign up
for in-stock alerts, recommends Saoud Khalifah,
CEO of Fakespot, an artificial intelligence
platform that analyzes e-commerce
transactions and online reviews.