Coquitlam residents are making their purchases closer to home during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey conducted by the city.
Approximately one-third of the 1,235 respondents said they are doing more local shopping, while 53% said they have increased their online shopping and 28% said they are receiving more home deliveries.
“The good news for local business is that 30[%] say they are shopping local more than usual,” the city said in a press release.
Crowds (68%) and lineups (67%) were listed as top concerns among survey respondents, who said strict physical distancing and enhanced cleaning measures made them feel safer when visiting shops and retail outlets.
A majority of respondents even said they would be willing to pay more at restaurants and grocery stores to help cover costs related to the public health crisis.
Between 60% and 70% said a 5% to 10% price increase is reasonable to help the businesses struggling with things like reduced capacity and enhanced cleaning protocols, particularly if it meant an increase in service, like delivery.
There was less enthusiasm for price increases at other types of retailers, with only 35% to 45% supporting a price increase at clothing, electronics and household good stores.
“The vast majority of respondents said that to make them feel safe visiting in person, businesses need to ensure distance between patrons (84 per cent), limit the number of patrons (82 per cent), conduct regular anti-viral cleaning throughout the day (82 per cent) and install physical distancing equipment such as Plexiglas barriers (79 per cent),” the city said.
“There was also high support for customers using hand sanitizer as they enter (78 per cent), staff wearing face masks or shields (71 per cent), and customers wearing face masks (56 per cent).”
The results of the survey are being shared with local businesses to help guide them through the public health crisis.
