2 ASX shares to boom from new shopping habits: experts

The pandemic has forever changed the way Australians buy goods. Here's a pair of stocks that could take advantage of the post-COVID era.

| More on:
A happy couple hug each other as shopping resumes in an electronics store

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

As the nation's 2 largest cities burst out of long lockdowns, evidence is emerging that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the shopping behaviour of Australians.

Many Australians are now more at ease with ordering goods online, and this adoption may stick around long after the coronavirus is out of the headlines.

At the same time, pent-up demand has seen strong physical patronage for some sectors, such as hairdressing and department stores.

So how can ASX investors take advantage of this?

Fortunately for The Motley Fool readers, a pair of experts have nominated a pair of shares they would buy right now:

All those packages have to start somewhere

Industrial real estate provider Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) has seen its shares rise nearly 17% so far this year.

According to Bell Potter Securities advisor John Anderson, Goodman has more than $5 billion of work in progress

"We view Goodman as a core portfolio holding," he told The Bull.

"The long term outlook for industrial and logistics properties is favourable given the continuing growth in e-commerce and a growing middle class in developing countries."

The warehousing business is looking strong, with Goodman boasting US behemoth Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) as one of its major clients.

Earlier this month, fund managers at Citi also indicated their bullish sentiment about Goodman.

"Its analysts currently have a buy rating and $26.00 price target on the company's shares," reported The Motley Fool's James Mickelboro.

Australians are heading back to the shops

Meanwhile Burman Invest chief investment officer Julia Lee likes the look of department store chain Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN).

"A strong residential market and savings should drive home goods and furniture sales as New South Wales and Victoria emerge from lockdowns."

Harvey Norman shares have lost about 15% over the past couple of months. It's now up just 3.8% for the year.

"Re-opening retail stores should underpin a brighter outlook and an improving share price," said Lee.

"Success in offshore expansion is another potential growth lever for the share price."

Lee is not the only one optimistic about the Australian retailer. Five out of 8 analysts rate the ASX share as a "strong buy", according to CMC Markets.

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Broker Notes

Macquarie predicts 25% upside for Flight Centre shares

Flight Centre shares have had a bumpy ride in 2025, but Macquarie sees clear skies ahead.

Read more »

Young people shopping in mall and having fun.
Broker Notes

7 ASX retail shares to buy as Aussies start spending again: experts

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 'retail sales surge' in June with 1.2% higher turnover.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie just raised its price target for Rio Tinto shares

Macquarie offers its verdict on Rio-Tinto shares following the half-year results.

Read more »

Happy man working on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Broker Notes

Are Mineral Resources shares a buy or a sell according to Macquarie?

Let's see what the broker is saying about this mining giant.

Read more »

A couple smile as they look at a pregnancy test.
Broker Notes

Does Macquarie still rate Monash IVF shares a buy?

Monash IVF shares have had a controversial start to 2025.

Read more »

A few gold nullets sit on an old-fashioned gold scale, representing ASX gold shares.
Broker Notes

This ASX 200 gold stock could shine bright, says top broker

Poised to soar?

Read more »

Five different piggy banks, indicating a diverse share portfolio.
Bank Shares

Investing in ASX 200 banks: Which macroeconomic variables matter according to Macquarie

The majority of absolute bank performance can be explained by four key factors.

Read more »