Like everything else in 2020, the holidays are going to look a lot different than usual due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it's changing the travel itinerary, shifting amounts of expenditures, or choosing different channels, consumers are adjusting their plans accordingly. To find out what consumers have to say with regard to their pivoting plans, read along below.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, the effects on people across the globe linger. Not only has it caused a major health crisis, but it has had major economic ramifications and changed the way we go about our daily lives. Below, we take a look at consumer sentiment and behavior from the past six months to understand the shifting shopper landscape.

With September already upon us, the holidays are quickly approaching. As with everything else in 2020, they’re going to look different than normal. While some consumers will continue celebrating as usual, the reality is that many are in a tough economic situation given the circumstances of the pandemic. In fact, according to a study from Brandwatch, 44% of consumers say they plan to spend less on gifts and celebrations compared to 2019.

For those who have made the trek to the grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been quite the departure from the typical shopping experience. Masks and occupancy restrictions represent two of the most visible changes, but customers have also noticed the decided dearth of in-store samples available to try out while strolling through the aisles.

It may feel like the summer just arrived, but as we hurdle through August, the holidays are closer than they appear. With Halloween just two months away, parents and children across the country know that the celebration marked by candy, costumes, and pumpkins won’t be the same as usual. In fact, 58% of moms in a recent She Speaks survey indicated that their family’s Halloween plans will look different, and that number seems certain to rise.

As the calendar flips into August, the typical excitement that accompanies back-to-school season has given way to widespread uncertainty. Parents are grappling with concerns about the quality of their children’s education, their social development, and the health of family members. Meanwhile, schools are deliberating whether to continue education in-person, online, or some combination of the two.

While the summer of 2020 bears little resemblance to previous ones here in America, one thing hasn’t changed: demand for ice cream. In fact, according to Nielsen, U.S. retail sales of ice cream were up 26% YoY for the 16-period week that ended 6/20.

Online grocery shopping has gained steam in recent years with the likes of Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, and others offering up their services. However, since the beginning of the pandemic, many shoppers who had previously eschewed online grocery shopping have changed their tune. Below, we take a look at shopper habits with regard to online groceries and see which brands have gained the most ground.

As we reach mid-July, summer is in full swing across the United States. However, despite the warm weather, the pandemic continues to complicate the slow return to normalcy. Travel, in particular, has been inordinately impacted by the current landscape, and it’s clear that the industry will continue to face these challenges for the foreseeable future.

When it comes to big-box discount stores, Walmart remains on top of the food chain. However, Target has carved out its own slice of the market with its creative branding and unique array of products. For brands that are sold at both Walmart and Target, it’s imperative to understand each retailer’s core consumers in order to win them over. Below, we take a look at the nuances that make them different.