According to another report from Bazaarvoice, 39 percent of consumers worldwide bought products from new brands this year, and 88 percent of those first-time purchasers indicated they intend to continue buying these brands in the future. More than half of consumers in the U.S. (51 percent) resorted to purchasing brands they hadn’t previously known about, likely a result of more well-known brands selling out their stock due to higher demand.

Forbes also reports that consumer loyalty has decreased as a result of the pandemic, adding another challenge to the many obstacles retailers already face. Their conclusion comes from a study conducted by Wharton Baker Retailing Center and WisePlum that indicates consumers experiencing problems or delays when ordering goods were 35 percent less loyal than those able to purchase products without complications.