Will commerce change post-shutdown?
There is no doubt that the complexities of our economy are far-reaching. The abrupt and extended shutdown of commerce has produced economic waves that are rocking the boats of businesses and families alike worldwide.
However, Small Business owners are the most creative, flexible, and resilient part of the American economy. As entrepreneurs, they see the world through a lens of opportunities. They know commerce will look different in the post-shutdown era and many are already planning for those changes. Here are some changes I see on the horizon.
1. Convenience. Americans appreciate convenience— and businesses will embrace new or expanded services (pick-up, personal shopper, delivery) to meet customer expectations.
2. Businesses learn efficiencies. Fewer employees may be needed in conventional roles. But businesses will create new roles will they fill to help grow our local economy. Re-training may be needed.
3. Online shopping. People who never shopped online before have now experienced it. Local businesses may expand their reach beyond our local geography and we can help by sharing those businesses with our friends afar.
4. At-home Workers. Working from home has been a fairly successful experiment. Large companies may down-size office space expenses in favor of continuing some work-at-home scenarios. Local entrepreneurs and businesses can support that change with expanded offerings to serve a local workforce that is based at home.
5. Social Distancing. Contact and distance are likely to remain issues for a while. In-person businesses (retail, restaurants, lodging, etc) and personal contact businesses (salons, massage, barber shops, etc) will be taking extra steps to re-assure clients. Those additional steps may result in additional services and benefits for clientele.
6. Community Support. Non-profit organizations (food banks, youth groups, member organizations, churches) were not eligible for government support. They will need additional community support (financial and volunteer) to continue their varied and necessary local missions.
Our local businesses, chamber, and community leaders will be working together to re-build the East Mountain and Estancia Valley economy. It will take creative thinking, broad cooperation, and inventive ideas. I believe we are up to that challenge.