Market Report
- Friday, 27 March 2020
The Spring Equinox, also called the Vernal Equinox, has long been celebrated as a time of renewal and rebirth.
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.
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
If you are the primary grocery shopper for your household, you’ve had a taste of what retail madness feels like.
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.
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
Understandably, there has been a recent surge in hand washing messaging and activity.
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.
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
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
