LISTEN to an interview with Catalina's Chief Marketing Officer Marta Cyhan:
ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the changes in shopping patterns have recededwhile others appear to be here to stay.
Catalina, a St. Petersburg based company that tracks checkout data, says that the number of trips Americans make to the grocery store has fallen nine percent year to year, while spending per trip is up 23 percent. Overall spending has increased 12 percent.
As is easy to imagine, the category that includes face masks has seen the biggest increase, with sales up 314 percent year to year, while liquid hand soaps are second at 246 percent. Disinfectants rose 235 percent, moist towelettes 155 percent, and pre-moist wipes up 129 percent.
Among foods, the highest rising category is refrigerated snacks and cakes, up 87 percent at number six. Juices, breaded frozen vegetables, powdered milk, frozen seafood, bacon, biscuit mixes and breakfast drink mixes also saw double digit gains. Two surprise categories.... camping accessories up 77 percent and fire logs up 53 percent.
Despite many shortages, toilet paper sales are only up about 30 percent compared with a year ago.
One category that's seen declines... personal grooming products, including cosmetics.
LISTEN to an interview with Catalina's Chief Marketing Officer Marta Cyhan:
Photo: Getty Images