Drivers and passengers did not always use seatbelts throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Today, though, it’s a matter of habit – you get inside, start the car, and fasten your seatbelt. Contrary to popular belief, it takes an average of 66 days to acquire a new habit.
In some ways, sixty-six days is a long period, but given that the globe has been living in a pandemic environment for the past year or so, it’s reasonable to assume that most people have picked up some new habits. With enough practice, people can conduct some behaviors on autopilot. Wearing a mask, washing your hands, and sterilizing every surface you come into touch with are just a few of the pandemic behaviors that will not go away. But will the mental health crisis be ever sorted out?
5 Pandemic Habits That Will Survive
After more than a year of shifting behavioral patterns, what habits have people picked up that are unlikely to go away since the start of COVID-19? The following are some of the most important trends in the retail and restaurant industries:
- Payments made without using a credit card
- Pickup at the curb
- Local and small enterprises are being support.
- Online retailers and online shopping
- Putting on masks
Payments made without using a credit card
Contactless is not only the safest payment option, but it is also the fastest and most convenient. Many clients, for example, like being able to make purchases using their phone or smartwatch’s mobile wallet.
And, as cash purchases continue to decline, contactless payments are likely to become more common. Make sure your consumers are aware of all the payment options you allow, including Apple and Google Play, on your signage, website, and social media platforms.
Pickup at the curb
The pandemic has hastened the availability of curbside pickup. Some retailers have already started offering it, and restaurants have long offered curbside pickup as part of their takeaway choices. Small companies of all sizes, including restaurants, may save a lot of money on shipping, inventory, and other expenses by offering curbside pickup and delivery to their clients.
In fact, curbside pickup boosts a store’s overall revenues by roughly 23%. Furthermore, your consumers may safely and at their leisure peruse your products, services, or food selections. This is one of the most practical solutions for restaurant and retail owners who want to keep their doors open and serve their local community.
Make sure your company has properly indicated external signs, such as specific parking places for pickup customers, to provide a smooth experience for your consumers.
Local and small enterprises are being supported.
We’re all in this together, as shown by the fact that 76 percent more buyers are supporting local, small businesses now than they were before the outbreak. Moreover, roughly 35% of customers said they would pay more for items made by a local company.
The shop local trend will last long after the pandemic has ended, as customers develop relationships with local companies. By holding socially distant, masked-up community gatherings or bargain promotions, you may let customers in your local region come to know you. Word of mouth is crucial for a small restaurant owner.
Make it clear to your customers that you provide online ordering, delivery, and curbside pickup.
Online Stores and Online Shopping
In March, lockdown measures were implemented across the world. According to statistics, the number of people purchasing online is increasing.
While many small companies turned to e-commerce platforms to stay afloat during the epidemic, others slashed costs by totally abandoning their brick-and-mortar operations and going entirely online. It is safe to say many will stick to this choice even after the pandemic.
Putting On Masks
It’s not always pleasant, but wearing a mask reduces virus transmission to other individuals significantly. Even if your mask isn’t of surgical quality, it can still protect you.
While masks aren’t required in outside, uncrowded areas, you’re likely to have your mask on, dropped below your chin, even when you’re not in a crowded location, simply because you’ve developed the practice of bringing your mask with you when entering a store, restaurant, or other company.
Small companies that survive the pandemic will almost certainly do so because they concentrated on modifying their business models to better serve their customers, keep prices low, and emphasize the health and safety of both their staff and consumers—hoping here are these behaviors stick around.
