Trends/Coronavirus (COVID-19)/Analyst opinion

COVID-19 analyst opinion

IGD’s team of analysts share their perspective on the key themes impacting the trading environment through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

09 April 2020
We recently wrote about some ways that supply chains have shown flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic .  Similarly, this article looks at supply chain flexibility but with a focus on resource optimisation. Human resource sharing arrangements While the use of automation in supply chains is becoming more widespread, supply chain operations remain largely dependent upon human labour. The C...
09 April 2020
As countries implement social distancing measures to slow down the spread of coronavirus, foodservice operators have been forced to close their doors. Whilst some have been able to use government support to effectively hibernate operations, others have reacted with agility to adapt to the situation and bring new purpose to their businesses. The changes they have made fall into three main areas...
08 April 2020
We look at how needs are changing and how this has impacted on retailers’ assortments during the pandemic and how this could evolve in the future. We review the effects on local sourcing and private labels and other areas that should be considered when assessing product ranges. Evolving needs With lockdowns in place and closure of all non-essential businesses, people’s shopping habits have ...
03 April 2020
This article looks at three ways supply chains have been flexible in overcoming some of the challenges that COVID-19 has introduced. 1.    Relaxing of legislation and regulation We have seen governments around the world temporarily relax legislation to increase the velocity of essential supplies (food and health-related items) through the supply chain. One of the first areas of legislati...
02 April 2020
One of the key pivots that companies have had to make quickly in response to the Coronavirus pandemic is with their marketing messages. Several companies launched eye-catching campaigns to support social distancing measures in March, with many iconic brands re-working their logos as part of similar initiatives. The new reality Beyond this, we are starting to see companies adapt their commun...
01 April 2020
Coronavirs (COVID-19) is having an unprecedented impact on the food and grocery industry, with many teams heavily involved in crisis management or supporting supply chain activities. A dichotomy is being described by many of the people we speak to, with specific teams “in the thick of it”, to ensure the country is fed, and those that for one reason or another, have a bit more time on their han...
01 April 2020
As the Coronavirus (COVD-19) affects more countries globally and impacts lives, there has been an increased focus on hygiene, as governments and health professional recommend regular hand washing.  In this article we look at three technologies already in existence that keep stores clean and could help reassure shoppers. Autonomous cleaning robots Walmart has the Auto-C – Autonomous Clean...
01 April 2020
Over the last few weeks we have seen retailers implement a range of social-distancing initiatives, including floor stickers, plexiglass guards and limiting the number of shoppers in store at any one time. We consider how retailers may start to think differently about the future store experience so that they can respond at pace to any future social-distancing requirements. 1. Changes to stor...
26 March 2020
With retailers expecting elevated demand levels to continue, although for most at slightly lower levels than recent weeks, we look at what changes are being made to support this and how they could shape food retailing in the future. 1. Range rationalisation: choice vs efficiency Most retailers are undertaking some form of range rationalisation, especially in high-demand categories. These in...
25 March 2020
Our team has been continually monitoring the latest developments from retailers and manufacturers globally over the past few weeks. In this article we highlight three ways retailers are and could further adapt their online operations to deal with the on-going effects of the pandemic. 1. Making online groceries available for those most in need We have seen retailers around the world flex the...