According to The New York Times, 42 states across the nation, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have enacted a shelter in place directive, in one way or another urging citizens to stay home to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). There’s not one industry that hasn’t in some way been impacted by this “new normal,” but in a time when many are fighting to stay afloat, there has been an unprecedented demand placed on our grocery partners.
This demand, stemming mostly from the simple fact that the majority of meals are being eaten at home, is driving grocers and retailers to expand quickly. As grocery and warehouse design consultants, we’ve been actively working with some of the top industry names to help them adapt their business models to meet their customers’ needs. And throughout our conversations, we’ve seen several common strategic design initiatives (and challenges) relating to the need for short term solutions while also preparing for a potential a paradigm shift that may remain long past this pandemic. Below you’ll find some of the top trends in grocery and warehouse design as a result of COVID-19.
It has become evident, if it wasn’t before, that grocery stores and warehouses are a key part of the American infrastructure, and we’ve seen them step up to serve our country during this pandemic. However, the impact of this time will continue to be felt, by consumers and grocers alike, long after stay at home orders are lifted. Identifying which of these measures should become lasting design changes will be key. To do our part to maintain public health and safety now and when the COVID-19 curve flattens, we’re working with our clients to develop designs that take into consideration what we know for certain yet are flexible enough to adapt to all the future unknowns.
If you’d like to discuss design options that can help your warehouse or grocery environment address life during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, contact us here.
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