As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep Americans at home, our shopping habits are evolving. Initially, essentials like toilet paper and paper towels dominated the market, but now a shift is occurring toward at-home haircare products. According to Walmart’s CEO, Jake Thompson, the demand for hair dye and clippers is on the rise as more individuals take their grooming into their own hands.
“People are definitely adapting to the situation,” Thompson shared during a recent interview on a morning show. “As we find ourselves spending more time at home, the need for haircuts has become evident. Sales of beard trimmers and hair coloring kits are picking up, which is fascinating to observe.”
During the early days of the pandemic, shopping trends focused primarily on items intended to prevent the spread of the virus, like masks and sanitizers. For instance, Nielsen reported that hand sanitizer sales surged by 470 percent in the week ending March 7, compared to the previous year. Similarly, the demand for disinfectant sprays saw an astounding 385 percent increase.
As time went on, consumer priorities changed. By mid-March, sales of bath tissue, facial tissues, and paper towels soared, with some products experiencing triple-digit growth. During the weeks ending March 21 and March 28, sales of baking yeast skyrocketed by 647 percent and 457 percent, respectively, as home baking became a popular activity. Spiral hams, a staple for Easter celebrations, also saw a huge spike in sales, increasing by 622 percent.
In the most recent weeks, haircare items have gained traction alongside food products. Nielsen’s data indicates that sales of hair clippers have jumped by 166 percent, and hair coloring products are up by 23 percent compared to the same timeframe last year.
Thompson also noted that, in addition to food staples, other trending items include puzzles, games, and educational resources, reflecting the need for entertainment during these extended periods at home.
He urged customers to avoid stockpiling, emphasizing that the supply chain is working hard to keep up with demand. “There’s a steady flow of products coming in, but if everyone could manage their purchases on a week-to-week basis instead of hoarding, it would benefit everyone,” Thompson explained.
While food inventories are stabilizing, certain products, especially hand sanitizers, remain in short supply. “Hand sanitizer has been difficult to keep on the shelves,” Thompson remarked. “We’re doing our best to restock, but as soon as we do, it’s gone. The demand for paper goods continues to be exceptionally high; in just five days, we sold enough toilet paper for every American to have their own roll.”
For those looking for more insights into home life and parenting, check out our other blog post here. If you’re interested in home insemination, you can find expert resources at Make a Mom, and for more information on pregnancy, visit Healthline.
In summary, as the pandemic reshapes our shopping habits, hair care products such as dyes and clippers are emerging as the new essentials. Walmart’s CEO highlights the need for consumers to adapt their purchases, while the demand for traditional staples remains strong.
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