Dress pants optional
December 8, 2020
Contributed by: Brent McKnight, Associate Professor, Strategic Management
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PERCEPTION AND ACTION IN A SHIFTING RETAIL WORLD
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting consumer habits. Canadians developed an intense interest in baking in the early days of the crisis, leading to flour and yeast shortages. They bought less sunscreen in the absence of tropical vacations, and they are dressing down in sweatpants while working over Zoom.
These changing habits have a significant impact on independent, Main Street retailers, particularly during the holiday season. To adapt in 2021 and beyond, retailers need to strengthen their ability to connect with existing customers and capture new customers as habits change — perhaps permanently.
Read Dr. Brent McKnight’s article about his ongoing study on how independent retailers address the challenges they are currently facing in 2020 and beyond.