The spread of COVID-19 has seen people frantically stock their cupboards and freezers, with empty supermarket shelves a common sight worldwide. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Leonard Lee, a marketing professor at the National University of Singapore, to understand the human needs that fuel panic-buying.

As the world copes with the impact of COVID-19, shifts in Chinese buying habits offer an idea of how global spend will be affected. From the short-term impact to longer, more structural changes in shopping preferences, how can brands best position themselves within this changing landscape?

Luxury brands in China are going digital to help people maintain normality amid the COVID-19 pandemic. By live-streaming fashion shows that would otherwise be cancelled and offering ‘See Now, Buy Now’ options, brands are hoping to mitigate financial losses and maintain loyal followings.

As people around the world socially distance themselves due to COVID-19, they're seeking ways to interact with others that don't require a physical presence. Looking to fill this need is Instagram’s Co-Watching feature, which lets users browse the platform together via video chat.