Panel SA: Procon survey shows consumers in the process of cutting back on their buying habits

Research by Procon-SP on the consumer’s purchasing power in the pandemic pointed to a drop in the individual income of 70% of respondents in a survey of more than 5,000 people between September and October. Just over 20% said they had maintained the same level of income and 6% had risen.

For almost 35%, the factor responsible for the reduction in income was the suspension of their activities as a self-employed person or entrepreneur due to the restrictions of the pandemic. Dismissal, death in the family and the need to help with the family income also contributed to the change in the financial pattern of respondents, according to the Procon survey.

More than 90% reported worsening of necessary expenses, especially with food. Water, electricity and gas bills also weighed on more than 20% of respondents. More than 90% of them also say that it was necessary to cut some consumption habits in items such as food, energy, water, telephone and internet.

Procon also identified an increase in the share of consumers who say they are in arrears, especially on credit cards, consumer bills and bank loans.

with Mariana Grazini e Andressa Motter