Seven months of restrictions and lockdown will have a lasting impact on Melburnians.
Up to 50% say they will dine out, go to sporting events and the movies less than they used to when lockdown ends, according to a survey by strategic insights company Nature of 1,000 people conducted September 18-21.
They are being driven by financial concerns and a fear of spreading or catching COVID-19.
The Reopening Melbourne report found only 20% of Melburnians are planning to take part in activities more often than they had before COVID-19, driven by wanting to be active in their community, see friends and support local businesses.
“Some Melburnians are very keen to get back to pubs, cafes, restaurants, concerts, sporting events and so on – and keen to start supporting businesses that have been hit hard by the lockdown – but they are definitely in the minority,” says Nature managing partner, Chris Crook.
“For most, concerns about their health and financial security will largely keep them at home as restrictions start to ease.
“Some people say they can’t afford to go out, while others want to save money. Some also don’t believe businesses will be able to maintain social distancing.”
The research found differences by age. While 22% said they would eat out more often as restrictions are relaxed, that jumped to 28% for 18-to-34-year-olds and fell to 15% among those aged 55 and older.
Nature’s research found there are ways for businesses to encourage people to venture out and return to pre-COVID patterns.
60% said proper cleaning and sanitising would prompt them to revisit venues, 56% nominated the provision of hand sanitisers, 56% enforced social distancing, 46% mandatory mask wearing, and 44% health and safety training for venue staff.
At the same time, two-thirds (36%) of Melburnians said more outdoor dining options could make them more willing to dine out as restrictions are eased.
Almost 50% think outdoor dining will be safer than indoor dining, but 17% believe it will affect the quality of service, 24% think it will have a negative effect on atmosphere, and 10% say it will affect the quality of the food served.
How far from home will Melburnians travel? Just over 60% are prepared to leave their local areas to dine out, shop and go to a cultural or sporting event. But almost 20% are hesitant about, or will not, travel beyond their local areas.
“Melbourne is clearly poised at a delicate but critical time. Many consumers are torn between the ambivalence of pent up drive to normalise versus caution and/or financial constraints or prudence,” says Crook.
“The business community, while fighting its own battle for survival, needs to do its best to deliver safe and value for money offerings to maximise the prospects of repeat visitation.
“There is clearly latent demand for a return to normal participation levels, but this will only be fully realised if underlying consumer concerns are addressed.”
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