Study: People Are Spending More Money at Small Businesses

A survey has found that 7 in 10 Americans have been inspired by the coronavirus pandemic to spend a larger portion of their money at small businesses. The study, conducted by OnePoll, 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.

71 percent said they’re now shifting their shopping habits to support small and local businesses rather than big corporations or chains. 79 percent of respondents to the survey said that the pandemic has changed their perspective on just how important small businesses are to their community. During their time sheltering in place, respondents shared they’ve supported an average of 10 small businesses.

43 percent said the #1 way they’ve been supporting their local businesses is by ordering take-out and delivery meals, and over half said they are tipping delivery drivers more than they normally would…up to 28% of their bill. 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 percent of those polled are also worried that their favorite local spot may not financially survive the pandemic. And perhaps because of this worry, 77 percent of respondents said they plan on supporting more local businesses once things return to normal after the coronavirus pandemic.

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 percent can’t wait to book a reservation at their favorite restaurant and 31 percent 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.

Top ways to support local businesses during coronavirus

1. Ordering delivery/take-out: 43 percent
2. Shop online: 39 percent
3. Donating money: 38 percent
4. Buying gift cards: 34 percent
5. Writing reviews online: 31 percent
6. Sharing their social media posts: 30 percent
7. Posting about them on my social media: 26 percent

 

Top businesses Americans are most excited to visit again after coronavirus

1. Coffee shop/cafe: 58 percent
2. Restaurant: 51 percent
3. Hair salon: 37 percent
4. Gym/fitness studio: 36 percent
5. Local clothing store/boutique: 33 percent
6. Bar: 31 percent
7. Nail salon: 23 percent