Trips to the Grocery Store and Online Grocery Shopping: A Comparison of Individual Behaviors before and during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study examines changes in online and in-store grocery shopping in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed survey data from before the pandemic (pre-February 2020) and during the first wave (March-June 2020). Our findings indicate an increase in online grocery purchases among consumerist individuals, while financially conservative individuals and those facing financial struggles showed a decrease. People bought more items per purchase in stores, visited stores less frequently, and transitioned from dining out to cooking at home. Those who enjoy driving and being physically active continued visiting stores more often. Social media use and health concerns influenced shopping patterns. Sociodemographic factors such as household income and race also impacted these changes.