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How COVID-19 might affect the commercial real estate market
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementCOVID-19 has negatively impacted every industry, including the commercial real estate sector. Whether or not this industry can bounce back — and to what extent — is dependent on several factors. "COVID-19 will usher in a form of real estate Darwinism where only the financially strong will be able to survive," warns Michael Gevurtz, CEO of Bluebird Lending in Philadelphia.
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The 5 payoffs of the pause for the spa industry
Elizabeth Donat RetailDuring this unprecedented pause in our lives, we have no doubt struggled with countless challenges. It's easy to list all the ways that this pandemic has stifled our personal lives and, in some cases, completely turned our spa businesses upside down. However, in the spirit of the-glass-is-half-full, let's talk about the extraordinary ways that our industry has benefited from this time.
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Do PepsiCo’s new direct-to-consumer websites show a new future for…
Bambi Majumdar Food & BeveragePepsiCo's new direct-to-consumer sites could mark a significant turning point for the retail grocery industry. The corporation studied the increased demand for products amid the coronavirus pandemic and witnessed shoppers’ frustrations with empty aisles in supermarkets and other grocery stores. In announcing the launch of two new websites, PantryShop.com and Snacks.com, the company said that it wishes to offer shoppers easy and fast access to products in these uncertain times.
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The ABCs of cargo insurance
Gail Short Distribution & WarehousingAs COVID-19 swept through Wuhan earlier this year, China fought to contain the spread of the virus by locking down the city and closing the port of Fuzhou from vessels from several foreign countries, including the United States. Subsequently, exports to the United States fell sharply. But even before the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping freight has always been a venture full of risk. The potential disasters and mishaps include theft, hurricanes, train derailments, truck collisions and containers jettisoned or lost at sea as well as corruption and political unrest in foreign nations.
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Coronavirus restrictions are easing, but cautionary measures should not
Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementPeople are eager to get back to their normal routines. Businesses are preparing for post-pandemic travel. Governments have begun easing coronavirus restrictions. Do you see the light at the end of the tunnel already? Possibly, but the pandemic is not over yet. So, please remain cautious even as stay-at-home restrictions are lifted.
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Innovation, cloud solutions will drive the future of manufacturing
Bambi Majumdar ManufacturingHistorically a conservative industry, the manufacturing sector must now be more agile and innovate at a higher level in the years to come. The industry has been bombarded with new and unprecedented challenges and has had to pivot in record time during the coronavirus pandemic. There have been supply chain disruptions, factory closures due to COVID-19 cases, and delayed launch schedules. Some oversight processes have been stalled and raise quality issues that need to be solved immediately.
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Experts indicate small business debt could be worse than anticipated
Kevin Reynolds Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementRecent studies by the Society for Human Resource Management and economic experts at the University of Chicago have predicted that debt levels for small businesses might be even larger than originally anticipated. The coronavirus pandemic, while it abruptly shuttered most businesses in early March, was originally met with a level of optimism by economists. But as the days have continued to pass, those same experts are seeing signs of an economic recovery that is more closely akin to the 2008 recession.
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The home appliances market has shifted thanks to COVID-19
Bambi Majumdar RetailCOVID-19's impact on businesses has been devastating, but for retailers and manufacturers who can scan consumer trends and pivot, things may not be so bad in the days to come. For one, industry reports show that the pandemic is driving the sale of all kinds of small appliances. Most of these purchases are for cooking and cleaning, including products that will allow people to lead a healthy lifestyle, stay motivated, and practice social distancing.
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The new rules for working with influencers in the age of COVID-19
Lisa Mulcahy MarketingAs a digital/social media marketer, you know the power and value of having strong influencers tout the benefits of your brand. In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, though, the way you work with and position influencers for your audience has to be appropriate and strategically wise. Consumers are focused on issues of survival these days, not as much about how a celebrity is promoting a product. Consumers still want influencer connection, though.
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Infographic: How to survive a layoff or furlough during the COVID-19 pandemic
Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementBecoming unemployed due to a layoff or furlough can be an unsettling event that can cause a wide range of emotions. Understanding your options and making the right financial decisions during this period of time can help you successfully navigate through this challenging period in your life. This infographic outlines both the prevalence of layoffs as well as how to apply for unemployment benefits and eventually get back to work.
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