The Pandemic Has Created a Bifurcated Retail Market

COVID-19 is an unusual virus. For some, symptoms are mild or even non-existent and for others, it is deadly. The pandemic has hit retailers in a similar way. This year has brought massive retail bankruptcy announcements and closers along with success stories. While daily needs retailers, like grocery stores and pharmacies are the most obvious beneficiaries of the pandemic, but other retailers have managed to find solutions too.

“There are a variety of reasons some businesses succeed, and others toil in the current environment,” Alex Zikakis, president and founder of Capstone Advisors, tells GlobeSt.com. “Some Capstone Advisors tenants, by the nature of their business, have a very hard time performing their core business while adhering to the necessary guidelines brought on due to COVID-19. Examples of businesses struggling to adapt include gyms and personal fitness studios, nail salons and large format indoor restaurants. Others have attempted to pivot their business model with varying degrees of success such as cycle studios that offer online and outdoor classes or restaurants that can provide to-go or drive-thru services.”