ATLANTA – Cox Business released the results of its annual consumer sentiment survey on small and medium-sized businesses. The results center on COVID-19’s impact on SMBs and how consumers expect to interact with and support them in the future. Additionally, the survey dives into the specific effects from the pandemic on the healthcare industry.
While people haven’t forgotten their favorite small business amid coronavirus, their visits have dwindled since before the outbreak according to the 2020 Cox Business Consumer Pulse on COVID-19 and Small Businesses. Trips to Main Street were on average 1-3 times per week earlier this year, falling to once weekly (or not at all) in light of stay-at-home orders and social distancing. Luckily, 70 percent of respondents plan to increase support of small businesses as the severity of COVID-19 lessens.
Popular ways to support small businesses during the era of social distancing have included ordering takeout/delivery from local restaurants (76 percent) and increasing the amount tipped at them (40%). Thirty percent of respondents have been shopping online with local retailers to continue support from home.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult few months for small businesses across the country,” said Leigh King, vice president for Cox Business in Louisiana. “Knowing that a vast majority of people are looking for ways to show their support makes the outlook brighter.”
Sixty-eight percent of respondents want to support small businesses in their community to keep their local economy and jobs afloat – but small businesses can’t simply return to business as usual upon re-opening. Consumers said the top things small business owners can do to make them feel safe include:
- Limiting the number of patrons inside at once (79 percent).
- Requiring all staff to wear personal protective equipment (76 percent).
- Installing plastic shields at checkout (45 percent).
- Accepting contactless payment (45 percent).
“The focus of this year’s survey looks a bit different from year’s past as small businesses and consumers move into uncharted territory,” said King. “We’re heartened to see that consumers still see local businesses as a priority and have been acting accordingly. Now, it’s important for our team and the industry at large to help small business owners approach re-opening.”
For more details on the Cox Communications’ SMB COVID Impact Tracker and the 2020 Cox Consumer Pulse on COVID-19 and Small Business, visit www.coxblue.com.
