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.

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A happy couple hug each other as shopping resumes in an electronics store

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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.

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