COVID-19 Impact on E-Commerce
The coronavirus pandemic has made a mark on Northwest Indiana. Many schools are closed, fewer workers ride trains and busses to work, traffic congestion on highways has declined, virtual meeting video calls have become commonplace, and the number of packages arriving on Region porches has jumped. The combined effect shows recognizable patterns on Northwest Indiana businesses and roadways and is significantly evident in commerce.
E-commerce, the practice of shopping and consuming services online and electronically instead of at brick-and-mortar stores, has accelerated significantly during the pandemic. The e-commerce economy is here, strong, and making a mark on the ways the region uses our highways, streets, and commercial spaces.
A NIRPC report, “E-commerce in Northwest Indiana,” released November 19, 2020, indicates dynamic shifts in commerce, including a 12% decline in shopping trips, the closure of nearly 28% of consumer electronics stores, and a predicted 40% growth in urban freight delivery. Retail businesses have been particularly impacted by changing trends.
The report makes several recommendations to help Northwest Indiana adapt, including investment in targeted transportation connectivity projects, new tax structures, and repurposed big-box stores. Several areas in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties are identified as uniquely positioned for growth.
