A little over a week ago, Mid-West Family conducted an online survey of people in the La Crosse area. Just shy of 700 people responded with their opinions on a variety of topics relating to our current Covid-19 situation and their outlook for the next few months.
Let’s start with how people are currently feeling about all of this Covid stuff:
Well, there doesn’t seem to be a ton of optimism there. Only 24% believing that the worst is behind us. But wait….
What? Only 33.4% are pretty locked down even though optimism is low? That’s right. I’ve noticed a big uptick in movement from even the most “locked down” of my social circles. They’re cautious, but they’re definitely finding ways to adapt and move around.
Employment Status Before Covid
Employment Status Now
This one kind of surprised me. Unemployment status is only up 2.2%, those retired less than a single % and only a 6.7% dip in those employed with full-time jobs. Now, our respondents tended to be a little older (we’ll get to that) and less likely to be in the service industry which we KNOW has been hit pretty hard in our community.
Let’s look at shopping habits.
Odds are high that we won’t be having any fights over the only 2 flat-screen TV’s at a big box store! (let’s hope) The NEVER/NO WAY Black Friday shoppers almost doubles.
Pamela Danziger from Forbes shares some retail predictions here. Offline sales down. Online up. Not too shocking and I’m sure our local area will be no different. Is your small business ready to sell online this holiday season? (insert shameless plug here – this team can help)
This could have been a lot worse. Almost 54% planning to spend the same or more this holiday season.
In which of the following categories will you likely spend this holiday season?
More booze than toys? Yup. (Before you claim “that’s Wisco” it’s only 4% higher than the national numbers) Oh and look at that… 68% planning to buy gift cards! Those are easy to sell online btw.
How important is it that stores you shop at IN-PERSON offer these services?
Okay, these are some interesting stats if you have a small business. Almost HALF of those surveyed see it as VERY IMPORTANT to require facemasks for all shoppers and employees and only a 1/4 don’t find it important at all. 77% find it at least “somewhat important” to have hand sanitizer at the door and/or throughout your store.
Do you have one of these?
How do you feel about each of the following this holiday season?
Are you planning to travel this holiday season and if so how?
Not a lot of surprise here. We’re staying home or maybe taking a car ride.
Curious of the ages of those who participated? Like I mentioned, they tended to be a little older.
And since we have a big election coming up…
Our neck of the woods sure is pretty split! Surely the reason your mailbox is full of those glossy mailers. (do you even look at them?) There’s also a ton of political messages on the radio, TV and ALSO before those really funny cat videos you’re watching on your phone. #facepalm
What’s my take-away on all of this? People aren’t letting covid lock down their lives but it’s still pretty scary. Find a way to get your product or service online. Hand sanitizer stations, masks for employees and patrons. Support each other! Shop local and promote local! Use your personal social platforms to let everyone know about where you shop and about good service.
