Over half of the nation are spending less money than they normally would – but groceries, alcohol and books all have seen large increases
A majority of Britons (54%) say the coronavirus pandemic has caused a minor, moderate or major decrease in their spending. The figure is highest among 25- to 34-year-olds (62%), while people aged 18 to 24 are most likely to have made a ‘major’ cut back (16%).
But YouGov research shows that while most people are spending less overall, certain categories have loosened the purse strings during the pandemic.
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The largest increase is in groceries, with about half of Brits saying their outgoings have increased since lockdown started on March 23rd (52%). This includes 11% who are spending significantly more. A minority (12%) say their grocery expenses have gone down.
The second largest increase is in alcohol to consume at home (34%). Hobby supplies (24%) and books (21%) come third and fourth respectively.
Digital services like streaming platforms and Zoom classes have also seen an uptick, with a fifth (20%) of Brits saying their spending has increased since lockdown, while 9% say the opposite.
Generally, spending patterns among women and men are similar but there are some exceptions. Women are more likely to say they’ve spent more on groceries (58% of women vs 45% of men), hobby supplies (29% vs 19%) and books (26% vs 17%).
Activewear, retail and takeaways are down
A separate YouGov survey found that clothes and beauty products are the most popular online lockdown purchase after groceries. But online shopping offers little respite across the retail sector, as 42% of the public say their spending on apparel is down. Only a small minority (7%) say it has gone up.
Overall, Brits are also spending less on activewear and exercise equipment during the coronavirus outbreak – 17% say their expenditure has gone down while 9% say it has gone up.
The figures may seem counterintuitive with many online retailers reporting shortages of items like kettlebells and yoga mats. But there’s a large age divide, with younger people spending more than previously and older consumers spending less. For example, a fifth of 18- to 24-year-olds (20%) say they’ve spent more on activewear and exercise equipment, while a tenth have spent less (10%). In contrast, among people aged 65 and older 3% have spent more while 21% have spent less than they normally would.
And in another blow to the restaurant industry, spending on food delivery has also dropped. Two in five (40%) say their takeaway outgoings have dipped during the coronavirus outbreak, while 16% say they have increased
Transport, holidays and non-digital services largest decreases
Unsurprisingly, the category that has seen the largest decrease is transport, with seven in ten people saying their expenses have somewhat (19%) or significantly (52%) decreased. ABC1s are more likely to report a decrease at 72% compared with 62% of C2DEs.
A large majority also say they’ve decreased their outlay on holidays and travel (61%) and non-digital services such a dry cleaning and haircuts (56%).