COVID:19 TRENDS


“With no vaccine on the horizon and the likelihood of a second wave of Covid-19 infection, social distancing will become the way of life for us all”


relying on Chinese suppliers, the pandemic has exposed how some companies have been relying on only a set number of partners in which to conduct business. Fast forward two months and we have a similar situation in Europe and North America, with supply chain issues affecting those with only a limited pathway to trade. In light of this, expect to see a divestment in


world, of a rejection of globalisation, and a return to buying local and supporting independents – well those that have managed to survive this intense period. This could be fruitful for independents retailers in DIY.


supply, an increase of local supply chains and multinationals expanding their local presence in territories across the world.


Increase of buying local To complement the changing nature


6 of the supply chain, a


number of independent retailers and outlets are feeling the pinch of the global lockdown period. The landscape of


well change forever. As a caveat to the changing nature of supply, the increase of sustainability issues and pressures on globalisation due to Covid-19, there may well be a trend, particularly in the developed


www.diyweek.net retailing could


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Health is wealth


An acceleration of the increasing health


trends we have been


seeing in the past few years look inevitable. With those most at risk of Covid-19 and other viruses the elderly and those with underlying health issues, lifestyle and health will become ever-important post- coronavirus. How the industry can galvanise these issues remains to be seen, but products in the DIY and gardening sphere extolling the virtues of health, sustainability, and goodness may well thrive. A new generation have been exposed to the benefits of DIY and gardening to both mental and physical health.


Change in social customs Covid-19, self-isolation and social distancing are phrases we’ll never


forget. In many cultures, the handshake greeting or the kiss on the cheek may well become a thing of the past. The issues of hygiene and how quickly colds and flu can be spread will on the minds of many, and it could well spell a revolution in how people meet and greet. It’ll be fascinating to see if and how this develops. 12 months ago, the view that a handshake could become extinct would seem daft, but it’s certainly not out of the question now…


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Death of the trade show? Trade shows within many industries have been a staple for many years. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light on the extensive travel schedule for many, and the high cost and high time outlay of shows may see some companies within the industry examine the necessity of some trade events. There’s obviously an importance in having that personal touch when doing business, but expect to see the acceleration of less global events,


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where staff have to take a week out of their schedule to attend. Trade organisers may need to adapt to survive. Expect more online seminars and virtual meetings.


Reducing carbon footprint In the past two years there has been a growing call for businesses and individuals to be more mindful of its carbon footprint. Over the past few weeks, many businesses have had to adapt to less travel to meet customers and conduct business, which usually results in significant expenditure when factoring in all of youre expenses. With modern forms of communication, businesses have realised that video calls, and the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams, are useful tools to conduct meetings, and still personal


ensure that touch. Business hasn’t


grinded to a halt like some were expecting. Expect to see these trends


intensify in the coming


years, with the added bonus of reducing carbon footprint.


APRIL 2020 DIY WEEK 19


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