The U.S. economy is heavily driven by consumer spending, which accounts for nearly 70% of the country's GDP annually. The Federal Reserve classifies this spending into two main categories: non-discretionary and discretionary. Non-discretionary expenses include essentials like food, medicine, housing, and clothing, while discretionary spending covers items purchased for leisure, entertainment, or personal enjoyment. In the last quarter of 2019, American consumers spent a staggering $13.4 trillion, fueling economic growth and optimism for the year ahead. Then, everything changed. As the coronavirus spread globally, governments imposed lockdowns, shutting down non-essential businesses and urging people to stay home. Millions transitioned to remote work and online learning, all while trying to minimize public exposure. This sudden shift has dramatically altered our daily routines—and our spending habits. Are we spending more now that we're at home, or are we cutting back? Let's explore the changes in consumer behavior during these unprecedented times. **Impulse Buying** Being confined indoors and lacking regular social interactions has led to increased anxiety and depression for many. In response, some have turned to online shopping as a form of emotional relief—often referred to as "retail therapy." The convenience of e-commerce gives people a sense of control when other aspects of life feel uncertain. This trend has resulted in a surge in orders from major retailers like Amazon, online clothing stores, and grocery services across the nation. However, this increase in online activity has also created challenges. Delivery delays have become common, and warehouses are struggling to keep up with demand. In fact, Amazon is currently expanding its workforce, hiring thousands of new delivery drivers, packers, and warehouse employees to manage the rising volume of orders. **Hoarding Supplies** In the early days of the pandemic, panic buying became widespread. People rushed to stock up on essential goods, leading to empty shelves in supermarkets. Items like toilet paper, bottled water, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer were quickly snapped up, leaving stores unable to restock quickly enough. To address this issue, many grocery stores implemented purchase limits per customer. Despite these measures, some areas still struggle with shortages. Hoarding is not uncommon during natural disasters, but the scale of panic seen during the COVID-19 crisis was unprecedented. Shoppers filled carts with large quantities of meat, dairy, bread, frozen meals, and even pizza, preparing for an uncertain future. These behaviors marked a dramatic shift in how people approach their purchases, and the impact continues to be felt today. **Buying Material Goods** With social distancing and uncertainty about the future, many people have turned to material goods as a source of comfort. According to Psychology Today, anxiety around mortality and isolation can lead individuals to prioritize material possessions as a way to regain a sense of control and security. This often results in increased spending on luxury items, such as high-end cars or designer bags. While these items may not serve a practical purpose during a crisis, they offer a psychological boost to those who can afford them. For some, the value lies not in the function of the product, but in the status and identity it represents. **How People Are Shopping Now** With physical stores closed and malls shuttered, consumers have increasingly turned to online platforms and mobile apps to meet their needs. While this shift lacks the social interaction of traditional shopping, it allows people to maintain safety and reduce the spread of the virus. Online marketplaces have become essential tools for everyday purchases, helping communities stay connected and supported. Restaurants, too, have adapted by relying on delivery apps like UberEats, GrubHub, and DoorDash. These platforms have enabled food service businesses to remain operational, providing essential services through takeout and delivery options. As essential businesses, they continue to serve their customers safely and efficiently. **Upgrade Your Water at Home** Finding clean, fresh water at the grocery store can be difficult right now. Why not consider upgrading your home’s water supply with a bottleless water cooler system from Office H2O? We’re currently offering our services to all residents of Indiana due to the ongoing pandemic. Contact us today to learn more about our advanced filtration systems and how they can help ensure safe, clean water right in your home. *Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels*

Scorching Retarders

Actmix Pre-dispersed Rubber Scorching Retarders, can significantly prolong vulcanizing time, but not affect the curing speed.

We select high-quality powder raw material, pre-mixed in EPDM or SBR, produce in granule form, with excellent dispersion, stable quality and competitive price.

Actmix Retarder E-80, ECO-friendly high performance scorching retarder for natural and synthetic rubber, EPDM or SBR binder carrier can be available for.

Rubber Scorching Retarders, Vulcanization Retarders for Synthetic Rubber, Rubber Scorching Retarder E/C

Ningbo Actmix Rubber Chemicals Co.,Ltd. , https://www.predispersedchemical.com