The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in Croatia

Abstract This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer trends and spending patterns in the Republic of Croatia from 2019 to 2023. The research involved a quantitative analysis of total cash flow across different regions and time periods (pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemi...

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Main Authors: Marko Šostar, Mario Hak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-08-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01753-1
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author Marko Šostar
Mario Hak
author_facet Marko Šostar
Mario Hak
author_sort Marko Šostar
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer trends and spending patterns in the Republic of Croatia from 2019 to 2023. The research involved a quantitative analysis of total cash flow across different regions and time periods (pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods). Data was collected from official sources and processed using the JASP statistical software, applying analysis of variance (ANOVA), estimated marginal means (EMM), and contrast tests. The results show significant differences in consumption across years, with 2020 recording the most substantial decline due to economic restrictions and uncertainty, while 2022 and 2023 demonstrated gradual and later accelerated recovery. Additionally, the results highlight regional differences—coastal counties experienced a greater decline in consumption due to reduced tourism, whereas continental regions showed a more stable recovery. Furthermore, focus group analysis revealed changes in consumer preferences, including increased online shopping and a greater tendency to save. These findings provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of the pandemic on consumer behavior and can serve as guidelines for economic policies and business strategies in the post-pandemic period.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2662-9984
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spelling doaj-art-70e34e2a2d97465bbb3eee761400ef2f2025-08-20T04:01:43ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-08-016112410.1007/s43621-025-01753-1The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in CroatiaMarko Šostar0Mario Hak1Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Pozega, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of OsijekMinistry of FinanceAbstract This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer trends and spending patterns in the Republic of Croatia from 2019 to 2023. The research involved a quantitative analysis of total cash flow across different regions and time periods (pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods). Data was collected from official sources and processed using the JASP statistical software, applying analysis of variance (ANOVA), estimated marginal means (EMM), and contrast tests. The results show significant differences in consumption across years, with 2020 recording the most substantial decline due to economic restrictions and uncertainty, while 2022 and 2023 demonstrated gradual and later accelerated recovery. Additionally, the results highlight regional differences—coastal counties experienced a greater decline in consumption due to reduced tourism, whereas continental regions showed a more stable recovery. Furthermore, focus group analysis revealed changes in consumer preferences, including increased online shopping and a greater tendency to save. These findings provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of the pandemic on consumer behavior and can serve as guidelines for economic policies and business strategies in the post-pandemic period.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01753-1Consumer trendsCOVID-19 pandemicConsumptionRegional differencesAnalysis of variance
spellingShingle Marko Šostar
Mario Hak
The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in Croatia
Discover Sustainability
Consumer trends
COVID-19 pandemic
Consumption
Regional differences
Analysis of variance
title The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in Croatia
title_full The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in Croatia
title_fullStr The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in Croatia
title_full_unstemmed The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in Croatia
title_short The cash consumer: how COVID-19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in Croatia
title_sort cash consumer how covid 19 reshaped spending and fiscalized transactions in croatia
topic Consumer trends
COVID-19 pandemic
Consumption
Regional differences
Analysis of variance
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01753-1
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