Will the current crisis have any lasting effect on consumerism?

I have been spending money, not a lot, but without even going out of the house, it will be lovely to be able to spend properly, in shops.
I wonder if on line shopping will continue as much as today.

Online shopping was well established before the pandemic and I think even more people will carry on with it even when shops re-open.
I have always preferred to shop in stores but think I used to buy more this way. I have hardly bought anything during the last year and don't intend to buy much when the shops open,

I think though that many people will be buying more as things ease with the virus.

Growstuff that isn't true in respect to care to vulnerable people LDs and autism. A lot of elderly care can be managed in the community as well. Nursing care is a different kettle of fish.

I didnt like institutionalised care of those with learning disabilities but I am not sure how well community care has worked out for many either.
My experience of nvq is probably fairly biased growstuff in that I discovered the assessor I was involved with was forging meetings, observations etc.

Maybe I am biased as my daughter has a good placement but I know we have been very lucky too.

There are many opportunities to work in the care sector. It's the two C's atm care and cleaning jobs. For care work you're basically guaranteed to be taken on if you can walk as the staff turnover is quite high. There are exceptions and some people do genuinely care. A 12 hour shift is a long time on very low wages. I can't imagine many people wanting to do that. It's often the only jobs so there's no choice.

Well I’m old, not 70 yet but I seem to have a different mind set than people I know who are 10 to 20 years younger than me.
I have hardly bought anything during the last year. They have, whether it’s on line or in large supermarkets that sell most things. My sister bought 3 items of clothing in Sainsbury’s last week!
They seem to have to spend, unfortunately they seem to spend on any old thing. I try to buy British (difficult), as eco friendly and as ethically produced as possible but I don’t think that I’m in the majority.
The trouble is that one has to be prepared to spend more and buy less. I don’t believe that will happen.
All you have to do is go back over the threads on this site and read what people are buying.
Outside space heaters, fire pits ??‍♀️!

Its lovely to hear that JaneJudge.

The trouble with online shopping for me is when you order online the product often looks nothing like the picture on the computer photo and if it is clothing the sizing is often all wrong or the material is not what you thought it was. I would much rather go into town and look at an item to see what I'm buying and the make a day of it by having a light lunch or coffee after in a cafe.... You can't get that on a computer

Absolutely! I hate buying stuff online, wait days for delivery, try them on (clothes) and then return them when either a) I don't like them or b) they don't fit. It's definitely put me off being spontaneous when shopping.

I like buying online and the excitement of waiting for something to arrive! That’s probably a bit tragic...

I've just been talking to my neighbour and her Oz trip for next month is off as Australia has closed its borders to travellers from abroad. She is disappointed as she lost her son last year and had booked for a break with her niece in Sydney and would also have called in to see my D while she was there, but it's not to be until next year----maybe.

mumofmadboys I’ve bought loads online, without viewing. A whole new kitchen including white goods, a greenhouse, Christmas presents, Birthday presents, clothes, wellies, a smart TV, and other bits too numerous to list. I get groceries delivered too. I’ve only returned one item, a jacket that was too small. But I’ve been an online shopper for some years. As to whether retail staff will transfer to the care system, I’m not sure. I’d be concerned about people doing so to earn a wage only, perhaps with little empathy or compassion for their clients.

The trick is to know which brands fit you well and their sizing, that way you can be pretty sure that whatever you try will suit and fit.

Most of the things I buy online are quite simply things that I cannot buy locally. In the last month I have bought a bathroom mirror, some fruit bushes, a wooden needle case and a spirometer for DH who is recovering from damage to one long following an operation and needs to do lung capaisty exercises.