Survey: Consumer behavior continues shifting during pandemicComparative surveys conducted in March and April demonstrate many COVID-19-related consumer trends have accelerated since the crisis began. Who’s paying rent and who’s not? (Staples paid!)News outlets reported in early April that Sycamore Partners refused to pay April rents for its Staples stores during the pandemic, even though the stores remained open. Retail sales in record drop in April, with clothing taking the biggest hit Consumer spending nosedived in April as the COVID-19 pandemic drove record unemployment and caused many states to continue stay-at-home orders. Include the human factor in your post-pandemic technology plans As retailers prepare for an increasingly technocentric “new normal” following COVID-19, they should design strategies around consumer behavior. Kroger rewards employees with new payout; extends paid emergency leave The Kroger Co. is doubling down on its efforts to reward its frontline employees working during the COVID-19 crisis. Hooters reopens 150-plus locations for dine-in service Customers can now dine in at select Hooters locations as the chain begins its first phase of reopening. Re-opened Ikea centers in Europe and Asia see 80% traffic returns Ten Ikea-anchored shopping centers in Poland opened up after 51 days of shutdown and counted an 87% return of normal traffic. J.C. Penney makes interest payment as it explores bankruptcy J.C. Penney Co., as of Friday, is continuing to explore its strategic alternatives. Borders co-founder launches robotic fulfillment service RoboFS is designed to enable quick, touchless order fulfillment. State Lockdowns: Update on the latest orders in response to COVID-19 Stay-at-home orders nationwide are expiring and easing — or in some cases, extending — in varying degrees. Here’s an update on what some states are doing. First Previous 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Next Last
