This past Memorial Day weekend, I attended some events that involved large numbers of people. One was outdoors, so most went unmasked. Another was indoors, and attendees were required to wear masks. Regardless of the mask rules, it felt extremely strange to be around dozens of people at one time after more than a year of isolation. I suspect that my feelings will eventually resolve as most activities eventually return to a pre-pandemic state. However, there is little doubt that the coronavirus has made some permanent changes to how we, as a society, are going to function. Here’s just a few that are likely here to stay.
- The future of retail – 5 tech trends that will stay post-pandemic [IT Pro Portal] “The most significant retail trend during the Covid crisis was the enormous shift towards online shopping. In fact, according to Accenture, not only are people buying differently, but they are also living differently, and in many ways, thinking differently. “
- How will the beauty industry adapt in a post-Covid world? [Cosmetics Business] “Covid-19, and various lockdowns since, has encouraged entirely new demographics to move online, with those who preferred to purchase in-store having to purchase online whilst stores were closed. Many brands have seen an increase in purchases from the ‘silver surfer’, with older customers accessing beauty products and services online for the first time.”
- Remote Weddings (and Memorials) Are Here to Stay. Be Prepared [Wired] “Had I realized the group owned the recordings and that they would repost clips and highlights from them forever, I might not have done it. A colleague said her church had taken to livestreaming services with the same caveat. Make sure you find out in advance when and how your images will be shown publicly, even if you think you’re only attending one event. “
- How to Navigate the ‘Great Reset’ [Bloomberg] ” Big tech looks like the big winner of the pandemic. The reality is a little more nuanced. Most of the tech that became stars of the lockdown/work-from-home era has been around for years if not decades. The pandemic accelerated adoption rates for existing trends, pulling the future forward. This is less reset and more catch-up – welcome to 2024.”
From the Ohio Web Library:
- TeamViewer Survey: Businesses Prepare for Post-Pandemic ‘Hybrid’ Workforce with New Policies, Tech Infrastructure (PR Newswire. (2021, April 22). TeamViewer Survey: Businesses Prepare for Post-Pandemic “Hybrid” Workforce with New Policies, Tech Infrastructure. PR Newswire US.)
- L.A. cycling studios are reopening. Can they pry people away from their Peloton bikes? (Flemming, J. (2021, March 16). L.A. cycling studios are reopening. Can they pry people away from their Peloton bikes? Los Angeles Times (CA).)
- THE FUTURE IS EXCITING! WHAT THE MEDIA TECH INDUSTRY CAN EXPECT POST-PANDEMIC. (The Future Is Exciting! What the Media Tech Industry Can Expect Post-Pandemic. (2021). TVB Europe, 10.)
