AFP/File / Johannes EISELE
Online retailers are experiencing a surge in orders from self-isolating consumers
The coronavirus pandemic has sent stock markets into
freefall and industries to the wall, however many firms enabling more
private, online and tech-based living are emerging as potential winners.
As hundreds of millions of people worldwide are forced to stay
in their homes and not travel abroad, the businesses that are helping
them to adapt could lead to long-term changes in the economy.
"I think certain aspects of work and organising will
change for good through the current situation," said Sally Maitlis, a
professor of organisational behaviour at Oxford University's Said
Business School.
"People will discover that they can work and
communicate in ways they previously didn't think possible, and will be
forced to become more nimble with tech through having no choice to do
otherwise."
Here are comparisons of several sectors that are thriving and failing in the pandemic:
- E-commerce giants vs independent stores -
Large
online retailers have seen a surge in orders as self-isolating or
home-working consumers turn to their massive distribution and delivery
networks to provide daily essentials.
Shares in US retail giants Walmart and Amazon both tumbled as markets crashed around the world on March 16.
GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File / BRUCE BENNETT
Online retailers are experiencing a surge in orders as consumers turn to them during the coronavirus outbreak
During the week Walmart rose as much as 25 percent from its nine-month low on Monday. Amazon also recovered.
"We
are seeing increased online shopping and as a result some products such
as household staples and medical supplies are out of stock," Amazon
said.
Yet small, independent stores are suffering, said UK Federation of Small Businesses chair Mike Cherry.
"These
are already very difficult times for all small businesses right across
the country. There are huge concerns over supply chains while on top of
this footfall continues to drop. The prospect for these businesses over
the coming weeks is increasingly bleak."
- Streaming vs cinemas -
Demand
for movies to watch at home has soared so much that Netflix and YouTube
are reducing the quality of their streaming in Europe -- which has
become the epicentre of the virus -- to ease pressure on the internet.
Worldwide streaming activity jumped by 20 percent last weekend, according to Bloomberg News.
AFP/File / Prakash SINGH
India on March 12 reported its first coronavirus
death as authorities ordered schools, theatres and cinemas closed in New
Delhi for the rest of the month
Traditional cinema chains, however, are facing an unprecedented drop in demand.
Some have temporarily closed their doors to help contain the virus's spread.
US-listed shares in Cinemark and AMC Entertainment were
both down around 60 percent on Friday from their respective highs in
January and February.
- Private jets vs commercial planes -
The
airline sector has been hit hard by quarantine rules and border
closures, with UK airline Flybe crashing into bankruptcy and experts
predicting others will follow.
The International Air Transport Association said Thursday that up to $200 billion is needed to rescue the global industry.
AFP/File / Robyn Beck
The global travel industry is one of the sectors hit hardest by the efforts to limit the novel coronavirus’s spread
US airlines have sought more than $50 billion in
government assistance in recent days, with one top US official saying
the outbreak poses a bigger threat to the commercial industry than the
September 11 attacks.
In contrast, private jet charter companies are seeing demand soar.
Wealthy customers are seeking to distance themselves from
the "unknown" travel histories of fellow passengers, said Daniel Tang,
from Hong Kong-based charter company MayJets.
US-based Paramount Business Jets has seen inquiries go "through the roof", its chief executive Richard Zaher said.
Queries have risen 400 percent and bookings are up 20-25 per cent.
- Home workouts vs gyms -
As many gyms close their doors, fitness-lovers are turning to online classes and home workouts.
AFP / Janis LATVELS
Potential winners in coronavirus economy
Shares in US home gym equipment company Peloton surged as
investors bet on increasing demand for its stationary exercise bikes
and memberships to streaming online workout sessions.
At one stage Peloton's share price was up more than 50 percent from Monday's intra-day low.
- Teleconferences vs real world meetings -
With more
and more people working from home to limit the virus's spread, demand
for technology that enables online group meetings, chats and
collaborations has spiked.
"There is such excitement around remote
work that brands like Zoom have seen their stock value climb up,"
Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi said, referring to the
teleconferencing app.
At the same time, real world gatherings from
sporting events to business conferences, have been postponed or
cancelled, with a large question mark still lingering over the fate of
this summer's Olympic Games in Japan.
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