Page 6 - Envision November-December 2020

COVID-19 Changes

CONSUMER

NEEDS

as ECPs

Scramble to

KEEP UP

Cover Story
By Paddy Kamen

any Canadians have fared quite well
since the pandemic shutdowns began
in mid-March. Personal savings have
increased, as behaviours around
Mshopping have changed. Consumer
needs are different, as are spending patterns. This
article looks at the impact of consumers’ changing
needs and behaviours on the retail eyewear industry. 1

According to The Globe and Mail, Canadian retail
sales in June were 1.3 per cent higher than February,
as the economy continued to reopen from coronavirus
closures. And August marked the fourth consecutive
month of increased sales. “…the retail sector has
carved out a quick V-shaped recovery. Total sales
of $53.2-billion in August were 1.8 per cent higher
than in February—before the pandemic led to strict
shutdowns that clobbered sales—and up 3.5 per cent
from last year.”

6 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /