Rising Low-Contact Commerce

Americans are getting used to a new normal in terms of consumption and spending habits, and new data shows low-contact forms of commerce are on the rise.

In an ongoing survey from Gallup, the percentage of people engaging in low-contact commerce activities has risen sharply between March and May. Restaurant takeout has seen the largest growth, rising from 26 percent of U.S. adults saying they’ve used it more often than a month ago in March to 44 percent saying that in May. Curbside pickup from stores has also seen similar growth, moving from just 19 percent in March to 36 percent in May.

In this growing movement of convenience shopping, young, high-income adults are leading the charge. Nearly 50 percent of those surveyed between the ages of 18-44 said they’re using restaurant takeout more often in May than in April, compared to 43 percent of those between the ages of 45-64 and 34 percent of those 65 or older. 51 percent of those with an income over $90,000 used restaurant takeout more often in May, compared to 39 percent of those with an income less than $90,000.

While reopening measures are underway within many states across the country, cautious spending behavior is likely to continue as people remain weary of coming into contact with strangers. Contactless services may be here to stay even if businesses, restaurants and other in-person activities resume.