With countries around the world at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to track how customers’ needs are changing and how brands are evolving to help customers find a sense of normality through digital connectivity.
As we enter May, a new normal of social distancing and self-isolation has been set. Working, socialising and entertaining is a new world being created inside rooms in the home.
Brands have embraced technology in innovative ways to create experiences that help customers stay connected, entertained, and get what they need conveniently. UPS and CVS are offering delivery via drones, Facebook has launched its own group video chat service called Messenger Rooms and Musician Travis Scott had over 12 million fans attend his virtual gig on Fortnite.
Retail
McDonald’s is reportedly taking part in a new pilot program for China’s upcoming digital currency
Ted Baker launched a digital pop-up store, donating 100% of profits to local community charities
Amazon is donating £250,000 to help bookstore owners
Primark is supporting the UN’s call for fashion industry to support suppliers
Tesco will start to test its employees for COVID-19
Restaurant chain Shake Shack have returned the $10 million loan from US government, with the aim that the money will go towards smaller businesses
UPS and CVS are offering prescription drug delivery via drones in the US
Indian retailer Reliance Retail and Facebook pilot JioMart grocery shopping in India via Whatsapp
Boots has recruited 500 additional delivery drivers to meet increased service demand
Amazon will launch a new fast delivery service in the UK
Sainsbury’s is to extend open hours and reopen petrol stations in the UK
Kendra Scott is planning on turning its stores into fulfilment centres to adapt to ecommerce
Hospitality
Airbnb is setting up plans for a travel surge once travel restrictions are lifted
The New York Times has temporarily stopped running the travel section in the newspaper
Philippine Airlines has created designer cabin crew uniforms with PPE in mind
British Cinema Curzon has partnered with Uber Eats to offer movie snack delivery to customers’ homes
Campaigns
Budweiser has brought its ‘Whassup’ advert back for the COVID-19 pandemic
TikTok is launching a new initiative called ‘Donation Stickers’ allowing creators to fundraise for COVID-19 efforts
Musician Travis Scott’s Fortnite concert drew in an audience of 12.3 million viewers
Initiatives
Facebook is launching a new group video chat feature called Messenger Rooms to challenge Zoom and Houseparty
The transcription service Otter.ai can now transcribe your Zoom meetings IRL
Shopify is offering loan advances for Canadian small businesses
‘Volunteer From Your Couch’ is a new marketplace for action
Coursera is offering unemployed workers during the pandemic access to 3,800 online courses
Amazon is giving one year of free live and on-demand cooking classes on the Food Network Kitchen app
Magnum has partnered with Deliveroo to sell enable customers to make their own customised Magnum’s
Here and helping
We are continuing to work with and help our clients so please let us know if we can help you in any way.
With love, health and strength, Household
Image courtesy of Facebook
