When Will We Be Back?

When will the economy open up?  When will we get out of our homes?  When can we go back to work?  When can we visit my kids?  When will we be normal again?

These are the questions that are on all of our minds as we continue to go crazy and try to adapt to these new circumstances.  As a research analyst trying to predict consumer trends, lately I just throw up my hands and say, “What the &$!#%?  I have no idea!”

What to do?  We ask the audience, our big database online.  Morning Consult does a great job of surveying a panel of consumers and gets the data out fast, almost in real time.  This week, they’ve updated the consumer sentiment panel regarding when certain groups will be comfortable going to several types of facilities and events.  The latest surveys show big differences between political leanings.  I don’t know about you, but that makes no sense to me.  Facts are facts, right?

Share of U.S. adults by political party  who said they’d feel comfortable doing the following activities right now. Activities are ordered by the share of all adults who said they’d feel comfortable doing them in the initial poll.

In the latest update to tracking data on consumers’ comfort levels returning to certain activities during the pandemic, the gap in comfort between Millennials and Baby Boomers has begun to reopen for some activities, including going to gyms, amusement parks and concerts.

Still, less than a quarter of adults will be comfortable doing many leisure activities.  This will gradually improve as time passes and a new vaccine is available.

When will you feel comfortable going out to eat? Or to a movie?  Or shopping?  Let us know.  We always like your input!