Consumers Have Abandoned Panic Buying. Now, They're Hoarding

They’re purposely and inadvertently buying more than usual

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After weeks of empty physical and digital shelves, the panic-buying phase of the coronavirus pandemic appears to be over.

Instead, U.S. consumers have shifted to a more measured practice of stocking up on the products they need as their longtime habits remain disrupted.

In an interview in late April, Kate Muhl, an analyst specializing in cultural and consumer insights at Gartner, said her research showed product shortages continued to be one of consumers’ primary concerns—with household items such as paper goods and cleaning supplies topping the list.

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