Panic buying psychology and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed consumer behaviour

Panic buying and an interest in sanitiser and sourdough bread recipes are among the strange consumer trends to emerge during the coronavirus pandemic.

Researchers are delving into the psychology of panic buyers and why they do it, as well as finding consumers are way more focused on country of origin than ever before.

Looking back almost 12 months ago, Woolworths Group’s chairman Gordon Cairns said the onset of the pandemic seemed to be “a lifetime ago”.

So, who panic buys and why?

Psychology of a panic buyer

Wendy Umberger is a professor…