Opinion: COVID and New Normal
When COVID hit, companies went into crisis mode. After 6 months, they’re getting visibility into today’s reality. Chevron is planning for lower oil prices. Equity Residential, with 78,000 apartments, says some renters now…
Opinion: COVID19 and Retail Carnage
The impact of COVID on retailers is growing. Bankruptcies are soaring, with Ascena Retail Group, parent of Ann Taylor/Lane Bryant, Tailored Brands, parent of Men’s Wearhouse/Jos. A. Bank, and Lord & Taylor most…
Opinion: COVID19’s Impact on Management Consulting
COVID-19 hit management consulting hard. Current projections by Source Global Research are that global consulting will drop 16% in 2020, with similar impact in North America. Forecast revenue declines to the services, energy/resources,…
Opinion: COVID19 and Grocery Shopping
COVID changed grocery shopping. Customers cut stores of choice, changed shopping days, shifted browsing to rushing, and moved from favorite brand to any brand. Stores faced stock-outs, hoarding, safety concerns, on-line shopping, bulk…
Opinion: COVID19 and Oil Prices
Oil was hit by dual shocks – COVID-19 crushed demand and a Saudi-Russia price war piled on. While prices are now rising, it’s doubtful oil markets will return to “normal”, and uncertain what…
Opinion: COVID19 and the Rail Business
Freight railroads have hit a rough patch. While PSR improved performance, COVID has dealt a severe blow. Carloads fell 28% and intermodal dropped 13% in May from 2019. Autos and coal were the…
Opinion: COVID19 and Mining Business
COVID has taken a toll on mining. Demand and prices for many commodities remain weak and volatile. Many mines are idle. Staff have taken pay cuts or unpaid leave. Companies face material shortages…
Opinion: COVID19 and Online Retailers
COVID-19 has not treated retailers equally. Companies that sell necessities , like Amazon and Walmart, have surged while those selling non-essentials have tanked. Malls have closed while e-Commerce has taken off. Contact is…