A New Set Of Shopping Tips In The Pandemic

Now, shopping looks much different.

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.