Each month, the Google Ads Research and Insights team analyses data sets of billions of recent search queries and consumer behaviours to develop a deep understanding of key market trends.
While people are more optimistic about loosened restrictions now than the same time last year, they remain cautious about crowds gathering and the potential risks of the coronavirus delta variant, as they plan for the second half of the year.
In August, we saw consumers becoming more comfortable gathering in crowds, with searches for “concerts in,” “live music near me,” “stadium seating,” and “car shows near me” on the rise. Searches for “open now near me,” “mattress stores near,” “open 24 hours near me,” and “shop near me open now” are also an indication that consumer comfort with being inside stores and restaurants is increasing.
Despite ongoing uncertainty, people are planning for returns to school and the office, searching for “school supply list,” “backpacks for school,” “uniform store near me,” and “dress pants.” Interest in health and well-being continues, with people searching for “zumba classes near me,” “to self isolate,” “mental health awareness month,” and “healthy snacks for weight loss.”1
