PwC survey: Consumers are in an optimistic mood

Consumers across 26 countries reveal they’re planning to spend more, lifestyle is improving as employers allow new ways of working, data security is a key, and smartphone shopping is at a historic high. 

• Vaccination against COVID-19 is a major driver of optimism. Sixty-six percent of vaccinated respondents are optimistic about the future, compared with 43% of unvaccinated respondents.

• Flexible work also drives optimism. Survey respondents who work from home are 10 percentage points more optimistic than those who work away from home. And those who can work in a hybrid way are 9 percentage points more optimistic than those who are required to either be at home or in an office all of the time.

• Optimism seems to be manifesting in spending, too. Respondents say they’ll spend more across categories over the next six months, with 41% predicting increased spending on groceries, 33% on fashion, and 30% on health and beauty.

• 59% of respondents say they’ve become more protective of their personal data over the past six months.

• 41% of respondents say they shop daily or weekly via mobile or smartphone, compared with 39% six months ago and 12% five years ago.

See our latest Global Consumer Insights findings here