8 Top Ways Americans Spend More Shopping While Stuck at Home

1. Entertainment

When it comes to “non-essential” purchases, 29% of Americans are spending more on entertainment during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the WalletHub survey. That’s not surprising, since streaming services, games and music can offer an escape from boredom and nonstop bad news.

“While some overspending may be attributed to stockpiling essentials, other Americans may be spending beyond their means due to stress or simply boredom,” says Jill Gonzalez, a WalletHub analyst.

2. Alcohol

It may be tempting to kick back with a glass of wine, bottle of brew or your favorite cocktail after a day of watching unemployment rates rise, small businesses flounder and sad stories prevail on the evening news.

That could explain why the second-highest percentage (23%) of Americans surveyed report spending more on alcohol purchases. Be careful with how much you imbibe, though. You don’t want to add a drinking problem to your other COVID-19-related troubles. For better health, try a little less wine and a little more quiet and meditation instead.

3. Clothing

Around 15% of people surveyed are spending more on clothing while social distancing at home. Maybe that’s a sign of hope for the possibility of someday returning to the outside world, something that buying a new shirt, pair of shoes or summer shorts can inspire.

4. Beauty products

Even with shaggy hair, gray roots, baggy eyes, and previously unseen facial hair, people working from home still want to look their best for online video communication and waving at neighbors through the windows. So, of course it makes sense that 13% of Americans who can’t get to the hair, nail, or waxing salon are spending more money on beauty products than before, according to the WalletHub survey.

“Despite social distancing protocols, the surge in video conferencing has led people to keep up with their physical appearance more than you might think,” says Gonzalez. “Some of the most popular spending categories are clothing and beauty products.”

5. Electronics

There’s nothing like a newer, better TV or sound system to make staying at home binge-watching more bearable. It helps to have a nice laptop, tablet or phone, too. So, it makes sense that around 12% of people surveyed by WalletHub shelled out more money than usual on electronics due to social distancing.

6. Toys

All those kids out of school due to COVID-19 closures need stimulation and entertainment, and toys can often do the trick. That might explain why around 5% of people in the WalletHub survey said they spent more on toys than usual while social distancing.

7. Exercise equipment

Around 3% of survey respondents said they shopped for exercise equipment while social distancing. If your gym closed due to a government stay-at-home order, maybe you dusted off your basement barbell or dragged those dusty dumbbells out of your closet. But not everyone has enough exercise equipment on hand to get by in a pinch.

Even if someone does have the equipment needed to stay fit, uncertainty of when gyms can safely reopen can prompt some to upgrade or expand the equipment they already have.

8. Comfort shopping

“Comfort buying to relieve the stress of social distancing is fairly common, with 43% of Americans saying they have done it,” says Gonzalez. Around 63% are showing restraint, keeping their purchases below $150, according to the WalletHub survey. 

People between the ages of 30 and 44 are most likely (60%) to shop to comfort themselves compared to 32% of Americans over the age of 59.

This article by Deb Hipp was originally published on Debt.com.