Americans are Buying Mace, RVs, Bulk Foods as COVID-19 Pandemic Drags On
The early days of the coronavirus pandemic were marked by a run on toilet paper and baking supplies, the sort of necessities and comforts driven by nation-wide stay-at-home orders. But that focus on domestic comforts may be shifting, with retail trends pointing to rising anxieties among Americans as the pandemic drags on.
Sales of personal safety devices such as pepper spray as well as solar-powered mobile phone chargers are on the rise, according to several retail sources. And while spending on travel and restaurants remains depressed, demand for RV rentals is surging, says Bill Parsons, group president of data and analytics and international at Envestnet|Yodlee. That indicates consumers are willing to travel as long as they can ensure their safety from the coronavirus.