Hi, [%first_name | Quartz member%],
The retail industry was undergoing rapid change well before coronavirus, but the pandemic has accelerated it. Department store chains in particular were already in trouble, and in the last two months several have filed for bankruptcy. E-commerce giants like Amazon, meanwhile, have seen a surge in demand.
Our latest presentation for members explains how Covid-19 is transforming the retail industry, and what it means for consumers, investors, and employees.
Despite stimulus checks in some countries, consumers are still spending far less than a year ago, and are sticking to essentials. And some analysts believe that the changes in consumer habits are here to stay. In one survey, 46% of consumers said they’d be more likely to shop in neighborhood stores once the pandemic ends—that is, if there are any stores left.
You can download the presentation here. As always, you’re free to edit and reuse it as you like. And you can find all our presentations here.
CORONAVIRUS LIVING BRIEFING
Here’s the latest from our living briefing:
- Consensus is growing that prolonged in-person contact in poorly ventilated, confined spaces is much more likely to transmit the virus than an uncleaned surface or fleeting interactions.
- European Airlines have sought €33.2 billion ($37 billion) in assistance from governments. €26.7 billion in loans and guarantees have been agreed to so far.
- Spending by foreign visitors in the US declined by 77% in April compared to the year before. There is little hope that May or June will be much better.
Check what’s new since you last visited here.
REFLECTING ON OUR COVERAGE OF RACE
Today, Quartz’s US employees are observing Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, as a company holiday for the first time.
“Any serious consideration of race in America needs to grapple with the horror of slavery and its lasting effects on Black lives in the US,” our CEO Zach Seward wrote in an email to staff. “Observing Juneteenth is a small but important way to do that.”
As we celebrate and reflect, we’re also talking about what the pursuit of racial justice means for our company and for our newsroom. We have not always lived up to our ambitions when it comes to covering how race and racism intersect with the global economy. We’re rethinking how we hire new Quartzians, find sources for stories, and select the stories themselves. And an important part of improving our coverage is hearing from you.
How has your organization responded to global anti-racism protests around the world—and what would you like to see them do or change?
What would you like to better understand or read more about on the subjects of race, work, and the economy?
As always, I’m interested in hearing any feedback you have for us on any topic at members@qz.com. And thanks to Tyler for pointing out that last week’s email linked to an excerpt of Frederick Douglass’s speech; here is the full speech.
Best wishes for a safe and restorative weekend,
Walter Frick
Membership editor, Quartz