Remorse over pandemic purchases

Shopping mistakes - 6th December 2021

During the Covid lockdowns, many people got items for their gardens and homes. But now, one in ten regrets buying something.

A survey asked 4,000 people about what they bought during lockdown. Items included gaming equipment, home gyms, bikes, musical instruments and hot tubs. The average cost of each item was £1,400.

But many of these items are now unwanted. Some people have sold or given away unwanted items.

Many people said they bought things instead of going on holiday or going out. And others explained that they intended to start new hobbies during lockdown, but they didn't.

Nicki Charles is a marketing director at the insurance company Aviva. She said: "So much has changed since the start of 2020.”

This includes our work and social lives, and the equipment we have in our houses. These changes have created some problems.

In August, Zurich, an insurance company, reported an increase in fires. Outbuilding fires, in sheds and garages, increased by 16 percent last year. It said sales of pizza ovens and firepits are increasing, and so are the chances of accidents and fires.