Was There an Alteration on Consumers Pattern with COVID-19 Pandemic? A Pre and Post-Pandemic Research on Consumers Behavior

The actual pandemic crisis caused substantial changes; on the economies around the world, the routines of individuals, the methods of working and consumption needs. The present research aims to determine how consumers have changed their consumption habits and which factors most influenced their behavioral patterns during the COVID19 pandemic. Through the use of quantitative methodology, an online questionnaire was performed, intending to collect information regarding consumers behavior. Comparatively to the phase preceding the pandemic, the results obtained show that, amongst the seven variables under analysis, the available income to satisfy consumption needs and the innovation of goods and services were the constructs that consumers consider most relevant when meeting their needs during the pandemic phase, The present research contributes to the development and clarification of scientific knowledge, and provides insights to companies and policy makers about consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, through a multidimensional statistical analysis, we found significant consumption changes conditioned by consumers' income level and the supply of innovative products and services. By knowing the behavior of consumption, it is possible to determine socio-economic development strategies to avoid a significant rupture in the economy.