Market Report
- Friday, 03 April 2020
Technology has risen to the occasion when it comes to keeping us connected in these days of “social distancing”.
Online shopping and pick-up services have enjoyed a surge in demand at retail.
Once we move past the COVID-19 crisis, it will remain to be seen how this retail shopping segment fares.
Restaurants of all levels of service (fast casual to high end, white linen) have been hard hit in keeping the doors open. Ones that can offer curbside pickup or take out, are being creative in adapting menus.
Feeding consumers is deemed an essential service. Restaurants have been there for our celebrations. Every milestone– birthday, anniversary, retirement or promotion feels special when enjoyed at a favorite dining place.
To those who are the regular weeknight home cooks, dining out is a big reward. The break from the norm gives an individual a chance to relax and be “waited on”.
Dining out typically gives choices not usually in the home meal plan rotation. Fewer choices is new norm. Picky eaters are without their favorite go to.
- Friday, 27 March 2020
March 20th marked the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. In normal times, this gives people a chance to gather and focus on the seasonal events that lift us up.
Cultures celebrate spring festivals and holidays – like Easter and Passover – around the equinox. Sporting events, concerts and the like boost our social interactions and spirits.
We are not living in normal times. However, there are some things we can do to ease our psyche during this challenging period as we follow the edict to distance ourselves from others.
As self-quarantines and mandated restrictions are followed, there is cheerful work to be done. Take this time to prepare gardens, flower beds and planters.
The ground softens and the dirt becomes warmer. If it’s too early to plant, take this chance to prepare. Groom, weed, hoe and turn the soil.
- Friday, 20 March 2020
For all others, it’s only a wild tale of unprecedented activity. It may reinforce why you leave the shopping to others.
Long lines to get in to stores. Longer lines to checkout. Empty shelves for more than paper towels and toilet paper. Eggs are at a premium if you can find them.
Major chain stores have now imposed limits on certain items to prevent hoarding. This comes later than necessary. We hear about individuals stockpiling paper goods, hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies.
Costco, Kroger’s, Whole Foods and others have discontinued product sampling. No free nibbles.
The spike in “social distancing” does not yet seem to apply to retail environments. Panicked shoppers crowd aisles and fill carts with everything from ramen to Spam. Even if those things are not what is normally eaten for dinner, there is some illogical rationale for purchasing them.
- Wednesday, 11 March 2020
Individuals are empowered to resist the spread of virus and infection by this proper, frequent and soapy simple act.
The advent of Spring lends itself nicely to revisit the power of a healthy lifestyle and other simple acts to fight off sickness.
The media reminds us daily that people with compromised respiratory and pulmonary conditions are most at risk from COVID-19 and other viruses. Diabetes also puts one in a “high risk” category.
Spring is the perfect time to reboot healthy habits. Every part of the body, including the immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults. Healthy living strategies bolsters not only the immune system, but the ability to cope with illness or injury.
Topping the list is the inclusion of plenty of fruits and vegetables in daily menus. This helps maintain a healthy weight, contributing to overall good health.
- Friday, 06 March 2020
- Saturday, 29 February 2020
