to hope this might reset people's attitudes to consumerism?

[PineappleDanish]

Due to the current restrictions, people can't "shop as a hobby". No mooching round Primark filling your basket with cheaply made fast fashion. No endless beauty hauls in Superdrug. No need for a new outfit every night out because there are no nights out and nowhere to buy new outfits.

Is it being too optimistic to hope that one side-effect of this awful virus might be pressing a collective reset button on just the amount of STUFF people have been buying and make them realise that actually, they don't need it and are as happy without it?

People are still shopping - they're just doing it online instead.

I think it's a nice idea but I don't really think it's going to be the case!

Practically out of moisturiser, make up, hadn't had my hair cut since winter before last, and realised in terms of stationary for the kids how horrendous were- our paints were dry!! so It'll be a bit of fun doing a shop now when fingers crossed god bless all of this is over (Not going to do shopping online)

I hope people will be more aware of the unnecessary tat they spend their money on .
I would like to think people will start to save for a rainy day instead of always using the phrase “ I could die tomorrow “ when the chances are they won’t actually die tomorrow.
I hope people will consider how many flights they take a year and the damage it’s doing to our planet .
I hope they’ll realise the value of eating quality local produce at home instead of mediocre mass produced chain restaurant food .
I hope people will have a better understanding of the people who actually make the world a better place and make it find functional day to day. It’s not the crappy slebs or wantabe instagrammer posting a pic of a breakfast tray on their bed.
I’d like to hope people will care less about how they look and care more about who they are .

It's made me realise that as a family we spend an obscene amount on eating out. I feel a bit ashamed now we've been stopped in our tracks and I'd like to think we won't go back to being so frivolous.

As in all things, everyone will have their own individual response to these extraordinary times.

For some of my friends, it is a temporary blip and they can't wait to get back to normal.

For others, it has caused something of an epiphany.

In recent days I have talked to a colleague who has realised that she can actually balance the household budget with far less money than she ever thought - she's decided to dramatically cut her hours at work to facilitate more leisure time with her children, and they will do without certain luxuries to make that happen.

For most of us, it has highlighted what is really important : friends and family, human contact, freedom, safety.

It would be nice if the reprioritisation lasted, but I suspect the effects will gradually wane.

Yes and no. I've realised I can happily live off cereal and vitamins, so my food shopping has been revolutionised, but I'm afraid I've splashed out on a new expensive handbag as a reward for not murdering anyone during lockdown and for sticking to the rules.

Shopping is my diversion over the weekend. Also good exercise. I get more steps in on a shopping day than any other type of day including when I go to the gym. I'll be straight back.

It makes me think about how I can save money and reduce waste. I aim to clean out my garage and will drop stuff off to charity shops when this is over. People are still online shopping, I was trying to find paints for my kids and so many retailers were sold out online so clearly people are still shopping. I enjoy going to the shops just to browse and am looking forward to this. I am looking forward to buying some new clothes as I am closer to my goal weight. If anything this experience has consolidated the knowledge that it is so important to have savings and I will keep trying to build mine.

It’s a nice thought but I think people will go a bit nuts after (money permitted) because they finally can.

Personally I’m realising I don’t need to buy so much stuff. I hope it lasts after too. And dh with his endless deliveries.

Ahh, OP, you're going to treat yourself to cake. Well, I don't view excess calories, or cake in general, as a treat, so the first thing I'll be doing when this is over is buying designer trainers and getting my nails done.

The current mn threads are making me so aware of how environmentally friendly I really am. There's a thread about using up food and literally EVERY SINGLE suggestion to me is common sense and something I already do I REALLY thought that most people made banana bread with older bananas and soup with leftover veg.
I also don't buy clothing unless I need to replace something. I hate waste and I hate wasting money! And no I'm not of the older generation I'm 34!!

I think it will depend, I think many people will have less disposable income to spend and also a lot of high street shops may not survive if lockdown lasts for an extended period.
Whilst the idea of less consumerism is good, the retail industry involves lots of jobs, not just in the shops but supply chains too. It's difficult to balance.
It would be nice for the climate if everyone travelled less (wonder if businesses will take this time to reassess whether they need as many physical face-to-face meetings?) But disastrous for airlines and travel companies.....

...to add I v rarely shop for new clothes/stuff and havent been in the least bit bothered about not being able to. Neither do I travel frequently. (Last time I flew anywhere was over 5 years ago) but have lots of friends who work in retail/manufacture and travel

Both DH and I are WAH so still getting full salary, I know we are extremely fortunate - but it has been a huge eye opener as to how much money we have saved by being in lockdown. Neither of us are spendthrifts by any means - but we would nip to the supermarket instead of eating something we had in, and coffee and cake at least a couple of times a week. I reckon that in a complete month we could save my entire salary - which is a huge shock. A real eye opener and we won't go back to being as bad as we were that's for sure!

I've never bought lots of stuff. So this hasn't made me go shopping more. I've always spent on days out and meals out. I have been surprised by how little I miss eating out, and also how happy children are not going anywhere. They are quite content going for local walks and playing in house and garden. Also I'm enjoying home school and having my kids back. Made me appreciate simple things more.