The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many retailers to rethink and repurpose their storefronts and businesses. Companies have had to become creative to come up with solutions for decline in in-person consumer during this unprecedented time. Over these past few months, businesses have had time to think about new ways to grow sales, while also staying up to date with the rapid changes in consumer expectations. Companies have had to think of new solutions due to the changing face of retail.
WHAT COULD SAVE THE HOTEL INDUSTRY AMID THE PANDEMIC — A HUB FOR WORK AND PLAY
The hotel industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 with a loss of “over $46 billion so far in 2020” in the United States alone. One way that hotels could turn around is based in the idea around of work from hotel rather than work from home. By capitalizing on the amenities already in place, hotels can create membership services. In doing so, hotels will be able to create new revenue streams. The future for hotels will be to “become hubs for leisure and work.”
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FOOT LOCKER TO TURN ITS STORES INTO VOTER REGISTRATION HUBS
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in political engagement and a push for voter registration for the upcoming election in November. As of September 22, Foot Locker announced that their “stores in the U.S will become temporary voter registration sites.” Foot Locker CEO, Richard Johnson, “said the project, run in partnership with the nonprofit Rock the Vote, is an effort to ‘educate and amplify the voices of today’s youth.’” The goal is to target the retailer’s main customer base that are ages from 18- to 24-years old.
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WALMART’S SAM’S CLUB TEAMS WITH TELEHEALTH STARTUP 98POINT6
Telemedicine is on the rise. Walmart’s Sam’s Club acquired the Seattle startup 98Point6 to aid in efforts of offering virtual healthcare. The 98Point6 is provided on a membership basis where customers have “access to physicians who diagnose more than 400 common conditions.” The company connect patients with doctor in real-time “through AI-powered chatbots, along with texts and digital images. Each virtual visit is $1.”
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