The pandemic saw changes in the business landscape across the country. While many businesses closed due to a huge drop in demand, some saw a huge increase in demand that they could barely meet it. Many of these businesses may continue to experience growth even after the end of the pandemic. This is mainly due to the changes in the behavior of consumers. The following are the business that will still see increasing sales once everything goes back to normal.
E-Commerce Stores
When the pandemic started, stores shifted their focus online so that they can connect with their customers who opted to shop online. Stores that did not set up online stores closed, with some closures becoming permanent.
E-commerce sales went up by around 32 percent in 2020 compared to the year before. This is the highest increase in e-commerce sales and is more than double the year-on-year increase of 15 percent, according to the Department of Commerce.
When the US government removes all restrictions, e-commerce stores will continue to grow as people will become more aware of taking care of their health. They will also recognize the convenience and ease e-commerce transactions will offer. Additionally, people will likely oft for the BOPIS option or the buy online, pick up in-store option since it allows consumers to avoid the crowds when they shop without having to pay for home delivery.
Cybersecurity Services
The pandemic increased the number of e-commerce stores offering a variety of products and services in the country. It also increases the number of remote workers since companies wanted to ensure their employees remained safe during the pandemic. Due to this, companies started investing in cybersecurity to ensure company data and equipment remain protected. This is essential since the transactions are handled in different parts of the country rather than the corporate office.
Cybersecurity services will remain relevant since many companies allow their employees to work remotely even after the pandemic ends. The situation also increased the demand for cybersecurity professionals since companies needed to secure many laptops and computers their remote employees were using.
Several companies have indicated that they will continue with the work-from-home arrangements until June or September 2021. But this may change or extend depending on the situation. Some companies may even find the arrangement beneficial since it reduces their operating costs since it will make it unnecessary to maintain a huge office if its employees are working remotely.
Delivery Services
Demand for food delivery services surged during the pandemic since people opted to eat at home rather than dine inside a restaurant. Even though profitability suffered for these delivery services, demand continues to increase as the pandemic continues well into 2021. Before the pandemic started, industry watchers already projected an increase in the market for these services.
But when the pandemic ends, the demand will continue. This demand comes from consumers who already appreciated the convenience of having food delivered to their homes. This sentiment will also spill over to other delivery services. The demand for door-to-door delivery services for other products will also go up even after everything goes back to normal.
Telemedicine Services
Hospitals and medical facilities discouraged people from leaving their homes to see their doctors at the height of the pandemic. Instead, medical professionals recommended using remote or telemedicine services to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, the limitations on the number of people in the offices contributed to the increasing popularity of virtual care visits. Investments in telemedicine software by doctors also encourage patients to consult their doctors virtually.
The use of these services will continue even after the majority of the population receive the vaccines. Like other services, people will realize the convenience of using telemedicine services when they consult their doctors.
Home Improvement Services
Home sales increased during the pandemic as people looked for places where they feel safe from the virus. Due to this, people also started to visit home improvement stores since they wanted to make their new homes reflect their personalities. The demand for home improvement services also increased as people contracted these companies to work on their homes.
While industry watchers expected a reduction in demand for home services, the demand will remain even after the pandemic ends. The continued demand will be fueled by new home buyers who will snap up properties sold by people who moved to safer areas.
Sales of some businesses increased at the height of the pandemic due to changes in consumer behavior. This demand may continue even after the pandemic ends as consumers will appreciate the convenience these businesses offer through their services.
