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 stay afloat during this difficult time.
As brands announce their first quarter results, we’re starting to see the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 on the retail and hospitality industry. Retail stores around the world have started to re-open, with brands shaping their services to meet the new needs of customers. H&M will close Italian stores, subscription F&B service Mindful Chef has seen a 300% increase in sales and Currys PC World has introduced drive-thru shopping as its stores re-open.
Retail
Amazon earns $75bn in its first quarter but will spend $4bn on COVID-19 expenses
UK fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse will close after they fail to secure a rescue deal in administration
H&M will permanently close 8 stores in Italy
Subscription meal kit service Mindful Chef is seeking £25m in funding as sales surge by 300%
iPhone sales declined by 7% compared to the same period last year
Arket is launching a digital store on Alibaba’s Tmall in China
Boots Pharmacies will provide safe spaces for victims of domestic abuse
Macy’s will re-open its stores as the US relaxes its lockdown
Currys PC World has launched drive-thru shopping
UK based Hotel Chocolat will open 5 stores next week for takeaways only
Selfridges has reopened its London Foodhall with social distancing measures in place
Hospitality
Home Suite Home, the world’s first online hotel has opened
British Airways may not reopen its Gatwick Airport terminal
Tour company Walks, has launched virtual tours of Wuhan in China to help change the city’s perception
Thai Airways rewarded its members for staying at home with free air miles
Campaigns
UK gambling firms are not advertising on TV and radio during the lockdown
Tik Tok now has over 2bn downloads
Initiatives
Hospital ICUs in the US are being designed with wellness in mind
Fashion brands make a play for the music industry
Shopify has launched an app, connecting people to local businesses
Harrods will launch a remote personal shopping service
YouTube launched its first virtual fashion show
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 Mindful Chef