The rise of remote work has transformed the way businesses operate, with many places having to downsize or close due to a lack of footfall. While remote work benefits employers, communities that surround offices and workspaces are having to adapt. From shifting consumer habits to changing business models, we take a look at 20 surprising ways local businesses are feeling the effects of remote working.
Decline in Foot Traffic for Urban Businesses
With fewer employees commuting to city centers, urban businesses, especially cafes and lunch spots, have seen a drop in foot traffic. Many businesses that relied on office workers have had to adapt or close, affecting the vibrancy of commercial districts.
Increased Demand for Co-Working Spaces
As remote workers seek alternatives to working from home, co-working spaces have become very popular. The rise in shared workspaces, such as Regus and WeWork, has created new opportunities for real estate investors looking to repurpose vacant office spaces.
Surge in Home Improvement and Office Furniture Sales
More people working from home has led to a boom in home improvement stores and furniture retailers as people look to create a functional office space. In addition to traditional desks, there’s been a surge in demand for ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and noise-canceling equipment.
Growth in Local Cafes and Coffee Shops in Suburban Areas
While urban coffee shops struggle, suburban and neighborhood cafes have gained customers. Remote workers often seek a change of scenery, using local coffee shops as informal workspaces.
Demand for High-Speed Internet Services
Reliable internet has become a crucial part of home working, leading to a rise in demand for high-speed fiber and broadband services. Local telecom providers and ISPs are investing in infrastructure to meet the growing need for stable connectivity so that people don’t miss out on essential deadlines by poor connectivity.
Shift in Restaurant and Food Delivery Demand
Office lunch spots may be struggling, but food delivery services have experienced a boom as people look to order in food for lunch as well as donner. Meal kit services are particularly busy as people working from home want to enjoy a healthy lunch but they need to be quick so they can move on to their next task.
Changes in Real Estate Market Trends
With remote work allowing employees to live further from office hubs, housing markets in suburban and rural areas have become hotter. Local real estate agencies have seen increased interest in larger homes with dedicated office spaces.
Decline in Public Transportation Revenue
With fewer people commuting daily, public transportation systems have seen a drop in ridership. This decline impacts local governments that rely on fare revenue to fund infrastructure and maintenance.
Increase in Pet-Related Businesses
Remote work has enabled more people to adopt pets, leading to a boom in pet-related businesses in suburban areas. Local pet stores, groomers, and dog-walking services have seen increased demand.
Expansion of Local Fitness and Wellness Services
With more flexibility in their schedules, remote workers are frequenting local gyms, yoga studios, and wellness centers during off-peak hours. This shift has allowed fitness businesses to adjust their schedules, with lots of people able to do lunch time classes or early evening classes as they have less time commuting.
Growth in Local Event Spaces
Many remote workers seek community engagement, leading to increased demand for local networking events, meetups, and social spaces. The demand for social spaces has created opportunities for event organizers, giving a much-needed boost shared community organizations.
Increased Spending at Local Retail Stores
With remote workers staying closer to home, they are more likely to support neighborhood retailers rather than shopping near their former office locations. The shift to buying local has helped small, independent businesses compete with larger urban superstores.
Rise in Home Cleaning and Maintenance Services
A rise in remote work has led to increased demand for home cleaning, landscaping, and maintenance services. Workers spending more time at home prioritize cleanliness and home improvement more than ever.
Decline in Traditional Corporate Clothing Sales
With fewer in-person office interactions, sales of business attire have plummeted. Local clothing boutiques are shifting towards more casual and comfortable work-from-home wear to meet new consumer preferences.
Expansion of Local Childcare Services
Parents working remotely need flexible childcare solutions, leading to a rise in local daycare businesses and in-home childcare services. Some providers are even offering part-time options tailored to remote work schedules.
Impact on Commercial Real Estate
As businesses downsize office spaces, local commercial real estate markets are experiencing facing empty buildings. This rise in vacancies has forced landlords to rethink leasing strategies, offering more flexible terms and conditions or repurposing buildings.
Increase in Local Tourism and Staycations
With remote workers having more flexibility, local tourism has seen an uptick. Many people opt for short-term getaways or staycations, benefiting nearby hotels, resorts, and entertainment businesses.
Rise in Independent and Freelance Work
Remote work has fueled the gig economy, with many employees transitioning to freelance roles. This shift has created a new customer base for local coworking spaces, networking groups, and business service providers.
Decline in Demand for Dry Cleaning and Laundromats
With fewer people wearing formal attire daily, dry cleaning and laundromat businesses have experienced a downturn. Some have pivoted to offering specialty services like home pickup and delivery to stay afloat.
Shift in Advertising and Marketing Strategies for Local Businesses
With changes in consumer behavior, local businesses have had to rethink marketing strategies. Digital advertising, social media engagement, and community-based marketing have become essential for businesses targeting remote workers.
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