Changes in Online Shopping Behavior in the Czech Republic During the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

The development of the online environment resulted in the formation of the behavior of all subjects in the online and offline market. This paper responds to current changes that significantly shape the whole society. Therefore, this paper aims to identify changes in online shopping before and during the COVID-19 crisis. The paper is based on primary research in the form of a questionnaire survey among a selected group of respondents that assess the determinants influencing their online shopping decisions before and during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The research showed that the COVID-19 crisis was reflected in changes in respondents’ online shopping behavior. Less than a third of respondents declared that they did not change their online shopping behavior during the COVID-19 crisis. The research showed that the frequency of online purchases had increased significantly (more than three times), as well as the percentage volume of goods purchased online. It can also be assessed that the COVID-19 crisis has an impact on future online shopping, and more than 40% of respondents do plan to shop online more after the COVID-19 crisis than during the crisis. However, the relationship between generational cohorts and changes in online shopping behavior before and during the COVID-19 crisis has been demonstrated. Online retailers should be prepared for these changes and should take these changes into account when designing and implementing their e-strategy and thus increase their competitiveness in e-commerce.