Convenience is king - pandemic accelerated changes in retail, and there may be no going back
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The retail sector was in flux, and the pandemic kicked the changes into high gear.
Traffic at many brick-and-mortar stores disappeared. Online shopping surged as lockdown orders and fear of contracting COVID-19 kept people at home.
“More people have permanently moved online,” said Venky Shankar, research director at Texas A&M University’s Center for Retailing Studies.
Walmart, H-E-B, Target and other businesses deemed essential saw sales skyrocket early on, while department stores and malls struggled. Apparel sales slumped as more people started working from home and business meetings and events went virtual.
Spring break gives businesses in downtown San Antonio a boost
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People dine at Casa Rio on the River Walk on Friday, March 5, 2021. The tables are separated by clear partitions.Billy Calzada /Staff PhotographerShow MoreShow Less
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Some people wear masks and some do not as they tour the Alamo on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.Billy Calzada /Staff PhotographerShow MoreShow Less
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A year ago, the thrum of tourists and convention-goers in San Antonio’s downtown went quiet.
The River Walk, Market Square and Alamo Plaza emptied out. Restaurants, bars, shops and hotels went dark. Events were scrapped. Workers found out they were losing their jobs, with no idea when the visitors their livelihoods depended on would return.