Page 37 - GS210101

Inspiration

The post-pandemic future

ith vaccinations underway, hope abounds I hope those business owners will be able to regroup and
that the COVID-19 pandemic will soon revive former or start new ventures in the new year.
come to an end. After enough people are
W immunized, restrictions imposed to pre- In payments, many experts believe the boost the pandemic
serve life will ease, and we'll put our masks aside as we gave to contactless payments will mark a permanent shift,
socialize again, eat out again, watch movies on the big and contactless technology will take hold among an even
screen again, attend celebrations with extended family greater number of merchants and shoppers going forward.
once again, and more. It's uplifting to anticipate a return
to activities we used to take for granted. Employers have voiced differing opinions on what their
post-pandemic offices will look like. Some feel people are
We're all thirsting for normal life. But what will our new more productive when working on site, as well as easier to
normal look like? What will change and what will remain monitor. Others find that Zoom meetings and other forms
the same as we move forward? Other than masks, what of electronic communications do a fine job of keeping
will we want to dispense with? And what should we people connected; many have downsized offices, thereby
incorporate into our work and personal lives as the future saving money on overhead.
unfolds.
On the educational front
In the business sphere
Given that most parents are also workers, it is expected
Observers in the retail sector predict that merchants who that families with children will welcome the opening of
ran strictly brick-and-mortar operations and pivoted to schools. It will take time to determine how successful on-
develop online channels during the pandemic will continue line learning has been. If advantages are found, some forms
to devote resources to offering diverse combinations of in- of online learning will likely remain in place to supple-
person and online shopping. ment in-person instruction. Some have joked that in colder
climates, there will be no more "snow days" when heavy
Whether shoppers will return in great numbers to in- winter storms make travel to and from school impossible.
person shopping when restrictions are lifted is unknown. This would be a likely disappointment for youngsters who
Some people experienced the convenience of online have traditionally enjoyed those mid-winter days off.
shopping for the first time in 2020 and may want to
continue to do more of it. Others have said they miss the So there are many unknowns right now about what our
personal touch of neighbors working at their favorite new normal will look like. Some of our new ways of inter-
retailers and will return if the shops survive. acting will survive, augmenting in-person events as it be-
comes increasingly safe to gather without risking anyone's
The restaurant sector has been among the hardest hit life. I can't wait to see what the future will bring.
during the pandemic. Many eateries have gotten by
inviting patrons to dine outdoors where it is permitted, as
well as encouraging online ordering for pickup or delivery.
Sadly, such initiatives were not enough to sustain others.
Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
37