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Consumer Behavior in Crisis Situations. Research on the Effects of COVID-19 in Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Silvius STANCIU

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Riana Iren RADU

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Violeta SAPIRA

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Bogdan Dumitrache BRATOVEANU

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Andrei Mirel FLOREA

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

Abstract

The emergence of some critical incidents of economic, biological type-crises, armed conflicts, natural cataclysms can affect significantly the activity of the human society. The article aims at analyzing the behavior of the Romanian consumer in the context of COVID-19 emergence. The performed research has highlighted the particularities of the emergence of this sanitary crisis at the local economy level. Although the Romanian population’s infection degree has been more reduced as compared to the Western states, the strict prevention measures imposed by the authorities have determined a model of behavior of the consumer close to the one of other states affected by the infection with the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV2. The market studies performed by specialized companies have shown that imposing home isolation conditions, due to the emergency state, has significantly reduced the social activities of the Romanian consumer, the actions being oriented mainly towards covering the basic necessities. The health of the consumers (purchase of medicines or visit to the physician), procuring food or financial activities at the banking units are the main motivations for leaving the residence. By comparison, the sports activities or the visits for supporting family members have the lowest weight. A segment of consumers, advocate of traditional commerce, has been forced to appeal to modern trade methods based on online shopping, and the specialists’ estimations provide the maintenance of the trade behavior. Companies will have to focus on understanding the consumer’s needs and to adapt their product offer and distribution system so that to reduce the new consumption limits and to facilitate the sales act. The main orientation during the crisis towards the local products can represent an opportunity for the Romanian companies, but Government support measures are necessary for the Romanian producers. The research results are a novelty, being among the first studies conducted at national level on the complex impact of COVID-19 on the health of the population, the national economy and consumer behavior start.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvius STANCIU & Riana Iren RADU & Violeta SAPIRA & Bogdan Dumitrache BRATOVEANU & Andrei Mirel FLOREA, 2020. "Consumer Behavior in Crisis Situations. Research on the Effects of COVID-19 in Romania," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 1, pages 5-13.
    • Handle: RePEc:ddj:fseeai:y:2020:i:1:p:5-13
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.35219/eai1584040975
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kudaisi, Bosede Victoria & Olomola, P.A., 2021. "Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Food Intake in Nigeria," African Journal of Economic Review, African Journal of Economic Review, vol. 9(3), June.
    2. Sabri Mekimah, 2020. "The Phases Of Covid-19 Crisis Managment By The Directorates Of Commerce In Algeria And Its Effect On The Consumer Behavior," Review of Economic and Business Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 26, pages 9-28, December.
    3. Alina Butu & Ioan Sebastian Brumă & Lucian Tanasă & Steliana Rodino & Codrin Dinu Vasiliu & Sebastian Doboș & Marian Butu, 2020. "The Impact of COVID-19 Crisis upon the Consumer Buying Behavior of Fresh Vegetables Directly from Local Producers. Case Study: The Quarantined Area of Suceava County, Romania," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-25, July.
    4. Sanne Ichelle Dubbelink & Carolina Herrando & Efthymios Constantinides, 2021. "Social Media Marketing as a Branding Strategy in Extraordinary Times: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-21, September.
    5. Lucia Morosan-Danila & Otilia-Maria Bordeianu, 2021. "Tax Facilities for Romanian Companies in Combating the Crisis Generated by COVID-19," Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series, Ovidius University of Constantza, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 0(1), pages 369-376, August.
    6. Mihaela PILA & Silvius STANCIU, 2022. "Fisheries and Aquaculture in Romania. Market Overview," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 3, pages 251-256.
    7. Daniel Lucheș & Despina Saghin & Maria-Magdalena Lupchian, 2021. "Public Perception of the First Major SARS-Cov-2 Outbreak in the Suceava County, Romania," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    8. Silvius STANCIU, 2022. "Post COVID-19 Lessons. Could the SARS-CoV-2 Virus be a Progress Factor? A Literature Review," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 2, pages 36-46.
    9. Ahmet Yağmur Ersoy & Metin Saygılı & Mustafa İlteriş Yılmaz & Mustafa Emre Uslu & İhsan Hakan Selvi, 2022. "Consumer Sentiment in Turkey, from Closure to the New Normal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-24, July.
    10. Eulalia Skawińska & Romuald I. Zalewski & Joanna Wyrwa, 2023. "Students’ Food Consumption Behavior during COVID-19 Lockdown," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-28, June.
    11. Mirica Andreea & Petcu Ionela-Roxana, 2022. "Papers About Covid-19 In Romanian Social Sciences Isi Journals – What Are They About And What Is Their Impact?," Annals - Economy Series, Constantin Brancusi University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 3, pages 103-110, June.

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