Eating out at a restaurant, getting their haircut, and visiting bricks and mortar shops top the list of what Victorians want to do when lockdown ends, according to new NAB data.
It can also be revealed two thirds of Victorians (67%) want to splurge on activities as the state prepares to re-open on Friday in line with 70% of adults 16-years plus being double vaccinated.
The NAB survey asked about 550 Victorians to select their top five priorities outside visiting family and friends once Melbourne, dubbed the world’s most locked-down place, awakens from its slumber.
NAB Group Executive Personal Banking Rachel Slade said the survey showed Victorians couldn’t wait to embrace post lockdown life.
“There’s a real buzz around Victoria. Given we’re known for our world-class dining scene, it’s not surprising that eating at a restaurant tops the list of what one in two (48%) people want to do when lockdown ends,” Ms Slade said.
“We know many restaurants and hairdressers are booked out for weeks, which indicates the bounce back has well and truly begun.”
The survey also found:
- Going to a pub and getting on the beers topped the list for about 1 in 5 Victorians (21%);
- Hitting the road and exploring regional Victoria and retail therapy at a shopping centre were also high on the to do list;
- Getting their long locks trimmed or other beauty treatments were much more important for women than men;
- Men said they’d prioritise going to live sporting events, getting back to community sport and recreational events, going to the pub and hitting the gym.
- With overseas holidays, weddings and other major purchases being postponed due to the pandemic, Australians have more than a $1 trillion sitting in bank accounts, according to the latest available data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.
Ms Slade said Victoria was in for a triple treat with lockdown ending, summer starting soon and Christmas just weeks after that.
“Two in three Victorians also want to splurge on activities, which will be welcome news for many small businesses who have been hard hit by COVID restrictions,” she said.
“This just reinforces the importance of getting as many Australians vaccinated as possible. Every jab gets us closer to unlocking more freedoms like getaways to regional Victoria or retail therapy at a shopping centre while protecting our customers, colleagues, and the community.”
Founder of Joey Scandizzo Salon and NAB business banking customer Joey Scandizzo said customers were doing anything to book a hair appointment once the early end of lockdown was announced.
“It’s going bananas. When the early end to lockdown was announced we opened up appointments on Friday, Saturday and Monday and had to put a time on when people could call as the phones have been ringing off the hook,” Mr Scandizzo said.
“Last year when we were locked down and re-opened it was like Christmas Day every day in October, November and December and it’s the same now. We’ve been booked out for three or four weeks – people want to get their hair done.
“Everyone has been locked down at home so to be able to chat, do stuff with people, that human connection is huge, and you do that at a restaurant or a hair salon.”
Anyone who still needs support from the impacts of COVID-19 can find more information on support available here, including the NAB Business Recovery Loan, designed to help small and medium sized enterprises (SME) feeling the economic impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Background
- View the full NAB survey below
- The NAB survey of about 550 Victorians was conducted between 12-14 October 2021
