pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-5863389 (1)

The retail industry is grappling with how best to utilize the COVID vaccine in order for business to return to “normal.” But with the pace of store closures quickening this year, it is highly unlikely that a COVID vaccine will be the silver bullet that brings retail back.

According to recent reporting by CNBC, as many as 10,000 stores could close in the U.S. this year, which would set a new record (up from 8,741 closures last year). Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s and JCPenney have already announced closures.

First Insight’s latest consumer research shows that a vaccine provides very little hope for in-store shopping.

Even with a vaccine, people will still be afraid to go in-store. Nearly one-third of American consumers are unsure about receiving or will not receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

at Forbes.com if you are a subscriber or Download the PDF below.

February 12 2021 , by Greg Petro

retail in-store shopping Coronavirus COVID-19 Safety

What Retail Executives Say About Supply Chain Disruption: Shortages, Pricing and Delays

We partnered with The Wharton Baker Retailing Center to create a comprehensive infographic exploring our findings.

View the Infographic

The State Of Consumer Spending: Gen Z Influencing All Generations To Make Sustainability-First Purchasing Decisions

We partnered with The Wharton Baker Retailing Center and asked consumers in the U.S. how sustainable practices are impacting shopping habits and purchase decisions.

Read the Report

InsightSuite for Small Business

Specialized Tools for Small & Emerging Businesses

The fastest and most cost effective way to increase sales, profits and sell-in for growing businesses and digitally native brands.

Learn more

Free Ebook

Maximize Value, Speed & Profit

Learn how to leverage Voice of the Customer Analytics and 3D Product Creation to make more profitable products, faster.

Get the Free E-book

Roundtable Video

Kohl's Creates Value W/Predictive Analytics

Learn How First Insight's Predictive Tools Fuel Kohl's Success

As one of the world's leading omnichannel retailers with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states, Kohl's is leveraging First Insight's predictive analytics solution and voice-of-the-customer data to improve their business.

Watch the Webinar

Webinar

Consumer Sustainability Survey 2021

The First Industry-Wide Consumer Study On Shoe Sustainability

This industry-wide survey aims to create a critical baseline that brands and retailers can use to ensure they understand what consumers actually comprehend, what terms and phrases resonate best, and what areas they should prioritize.

Download the Webinar & Findings

Supply Chain & Pricing

Navigating Disruption

How The Rockport Company is Optimizing Assortments and Pricing with Data + Digital Product Testing

Learn how The Rockport Company created a new product playbook powered by the Voice of the Customer and predictive tools.

View the Webinar & Highlights

Case Study

HOTTER SHOES ATTRACTS YOUNGER AUDIENCE VIA ‘VOICE OF CUSTOMER’ ANALYTICS

While the Covid-19 pandemic hit most retailers hard, it created uniquely intense challenges for Hotter Shoes. Hotter needed to build up its e-commerce presence and appeal to a new group of shoppers at the same time.

Read the Case Study

COVID Vaccines Won’t Cure Retail Woes

Looking for more info? Complete the form below.

What Retail Executives Say About Supply Chain Disruption: Shortages, Pricing and Delays