For those in search of peace and mindfulness, self-care guides often will instruct people to clearly define and list their top priorities. When it came to shopping this past year, many consumers prioritized one-stop shopping and cost savings as they dealt with the complexities of the pandemic. These priorities aided the warehouse clubs and supercenters channel as more consumers stockpiled goods and dealt with reduced shopping options.
“During the height of the pandemic, many consumers prioritized one-stop shopping as a way of reducing their risk of being exposed to the virus,” says Jack Daly, industry research analyst at Los Angeles-based IBISWorld Inc. “Industry operators benefited from this as they already stocked a wide array of items, including groceries, toys, clothing, electronics and personal care goods. In addition to offering all of these items in one place, they also offered them in bulk. As a result, consumers flocked to club stores to buy items in bulk so that they would be able to make fewer trips to grocery stores in the future.”