Draft Introduction with thesis statement
Recent shopping trends that have become popular through media outlets and the internet have shown a shifting dynamic in retail. This is seen and demonstrated every day as we drive through our community and see Amazon or other e-retailor boxes on a neighbor’s front doorsteps. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged brick-and-mortar-style businesses with the need to comply with health and safety regulations to meet customer and local government expectations. Furthermore, those same restrictions catapulted into psychological and sociological effects that began to change minds and decisions. Ultimately, the stability of innovation that resulted from the Pandemic created a new norm that is more widely and routinely practiced. Yet, the biggest motivators of brick-and-mortar shopping have been seen as the need for shoppers to touch and feel products in person before purchasing. Thesis Statement: While many people still prefer to see and buy things in person, the regulatory changes, psychological and sociological effects, and convenience from innovation that resulted from the Pandemic suggest that small businesses will not succeed in the future without e-commerce or a multichannel option of doing business.
Supporting Element Topics
Guidelines and regulatory effects (restrictions, limitations, masks):
Health and safety mandates that were passed by local governments drastically challenged brick and mortar businesses.
Psychological and sociological effects (Fears, stress, pressure):
Additionally, the limitations produced psychological and sociological effects that began to change minds and decisions.
Convenience presented by the pandemic (contactless, apps, fast delivery):
Ultimately, a new norm in today’s economy was created by the convenience of apps, contactless delivery, and ecommerce.
