Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos addressed the company’s response to and operations during the coronavirus outbreak, saying they’re doing all they can to keep workers safe amid reports of growing positive tests, a worker death and walkouts. Bezos also discussed possible company-wide COVID-19 testing, a process that is taking top priority.
Many more consumers are changing their buying habits in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, with 28% of e-grocery shoppers placing their first-ever order during March, according to a study from CPG research firm Acosta. And nearly two-thirds of U.S. consumers reported changing their shopping habits by the end of March.
Asking questions is the foundation of innovation, which during uncertain times is what sets successful businesses apart. And right now, as massive disruption from coronavirus continues, major changes in ecommerce are happening faster than ever before. Here is the first crop of answers in our new “Ask the Experts” feature.
What product categories are winning and which are losing in the midst of coronavirus? Some winners are obvious, like everyone’s favorite, TP, as well as cold and flu, food/beverage, personal protection and cleaning/sanitizing. To go deeper, Stackline compiled a list of the 100 fastest-growing and slowest-growing categories in ecommerce.
Amazon plans to halt its Amazon Shipping service that competes directly with FedEx and UPS, the Wall Street Journal is reporting, diverting workers to over-maxed fulfillment operations for its own business. Amazon Shipping is only active in a few cities. The company is working with shippers to limit the amount of disruption.
The world is a different place than it was just a month ago. As companies try to maintain their business and stay afloat, many are wondering about the long-term impact of coronavirus on the retail and ecommerce industry. Here are some ways the dynamics of retail and services may be impacted in near term and in the years to come.
FREE ON DEMAND WEBINAR: Multichannel Merchant recently conducted an audience survey to gauge not only the impact of the coronavirus outbreak but what sorts of plans are being made for after the pandemic is under control. We discuss the survey results with operations experts from enVista, Le Tote and Burton, which you can view on demand.