In a world on lockdown, consumers are changing the way they perceive necessities in lockdown. Nestle, which has been making a concerted effort to shift its focus toward food, has reported a 4.3% increase in sales. Although food is usually second to personal care products like hair conditioner and moisturizer, COVID-19 has effectively turned the industry on its head.
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In 2019, Nestle generated 15% of its sales from pet care, but the novel coronavirus has inflated that number significantly. People are panic-buying food for their cats and dogs, but they're also spending more time with them, resulting in an overall sales increase of 7% in both North America in Europe. However, worrying more about pets means that Americans and Europeans are worrying less about their appearance.
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With less reason to appear presentable, people aren't pampering nearly as much as they used to. According to Unilever, a typical day in quarantine constitutes 11 less "personal care moments" than during ordinary times. However, pets in the Western hemisphere are being showered with tartar-control toothpaste, anti-plaque chew toys, CBD-infused supplements and treats, and brainteasers made to "unleash a genius within your pet."