As Western countries start the slow return to business as usual, lenders and retailers will need to establish lending programs that can cope with the demand from consumers who are ready to begin spending again but are likely to have faced a period of financial uncertainty. 

The US declared a state of national emergency on Friday 13th March, with each state deciding their own degree of lockdown due to COVID-19. The retail landscape has transformed ever since self-isolation measures began and continues to evolve with each day that social-distancing stays in place. With a considerable initial shift towards online purchasing following the closure of stores and a substantial amount of job losses, now is an essential time for lending institutions and retailers to consider what consumers are likely to need after self-isolation ends and the brick and mortar shops reopen. It was in reaction to the financial crisis in 2008, that fintech installment loan companies gained popularity with millennials keen to avoid credit card debt. While it is uncertain whether COVID-19 will trigger a full recession similar to the one that occurred in 2008, enough economic uncertainty has been created to assume that the financing space must grow to accommodate consumer needs.

Reduced incomes during COVID-19

US unemployment figures have risen by 22 million in just 4 weeks, others may have seen their salary reduced, with self-employed citizens and small business owners on decreased incomes. Towards the end of March, more than 80% of freelancers surveyed said they’ve already lost thousands of dollars in wages to COVID-19, a number that will have risen as people continue to cut back on goods and services. Consumers may have utilized their savings to be able to keep up with mortgage repayments and rent. While the hope remains that most jobs will be able to return to normal once restrictions are lifted and the economy slowly recovers, financing options will be a critical aspect when consumers are able to shop freely again.

Ecommerce sales surged up

Following the closure of brick and mortar stores, there was an immediate shift towards online commerce. Ecommerce sales shot up by 40% in the US after a state of emergency was declared, boosting verticals such as toys, sporting goods, and camping. Even the baby boomers, who were previously averse to shopping online, have been left with no other choice.

While certain retailers have benefited from self-isolation measures, others are struggling. Online sales for apparel and accessories showed an overall decrease of 50.5% from February to March. The sales of big-ticket items, in particular, have reduced as consumers remain insecure about their financial situation.

People will want to upgrade furniture and technology

During this extended period of time in their homes, consumers will have thought a lot about an idealized vision of their environment. They will have used their furniture more extensively than before, sofas that were only being used on the weekends and dining tables suddenly needed for family meals. They will be looking to replace furniture and outdated technology that might have frustrated them whilst being at home all day. Additionally, people may be looking to book a holiday or event for the summer of 2021, when it might be safer to do so. Consumers have delayed these purchases whilst still in a state of crisis, including flights, home appliances, and technology devices. When asked whether they plan to buy the items they have put on hold, 36% of US internet users said they’re waiting for the outbreak to subside either locally or internationally. 

What can be expected after COVID-19

We can only speculate as to how consumer behavior will adapt once lockdown measures lift, but imagine that consumers will enjoy the freedom of being able to go to malls and shop for leisure again. It is likely that there will be a significant increase in sales of big-ticket items to compensate for the decline during a state of crisis. Research already suggests that many consumers will want to either get back to spending normally or spend even more extravagantly than previously. Banks and retailers will need to walk a fine line to ensure that consumers are not burdened with loans that they cannot repay whilst being able to provide financial assistance to those who just need purchasing to be more manageable at this time.

Lenders must ensure that appropriate financing is available to retailers

Lenders must work with retailers to ensure that consumers have enough choice for financing instore as well as online, without relying on co-branded credit cards. Without a clear repayment plan and potentially high-interest rates, such cards could be detrimental to consumers exiting a financial crisis. If lenders and retailers are already offering installment loans, they should look at adding a ‘line of credit’ option, which would allow customers to complete individual purchases over time, and pay-back only the amount that is spent in monthly payments.

Bottom line – What to expect

As the economy slowly starts to return to normal, consumers will be spending more, making up for high-ticket and non-essential items that were not purchased during the uncertainty of the lockdown situation. Financing programs will be critical for consumers exiting this crisis, leading merchants to look frantically for solutions instore and online. The winners of this business will be lenders who are offering competitive loan programs that can be implemented quickly and easily to meet this demand.

Financing Becomes Even More Essential in the Wake of COVID-19