After over two years of pandemics and restrictions, retailers move to suburbs thanks to remote work.
In the past years, people migrated in big cities seeking better job opportunities. After the first COVID outbreak, most Americans moved away from big centers to more affordable locations. And this trend keeps going even in a post-pandemic scenario. As a result, retailers move to suburbs thanks to remote work.
For example, last week, Amazon announced a new store format targeting suburban shoppers. The new Amazon Go store will open in Mill Creek, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. On the other hand, retailers like Warby Parker or e-commerce furniture retailer Wayfair are also making their move to suburban areas.
The remote work trend changed people’s habits and style of life. According to Bloomberg, foot traffic in big cities has declined since people have stopped commuting to the office. For example, Retail hub Madison Avenue in Manhattan recorded 71% of foot traffic levels the week of August 8.
While cities are suffering the consequences of the pandemic, suburban areas are gaining popularity. For example, the traffic in a White Bear Lake (Minnesota)suburban shopping district increased by at least 25% from 2020 (Star Tribune). On the contrary, 30 % of Midtown East and Grand Central 30% were unoccupied in 2021.
So, retailers are moving to suburbs thanks to remote work. Most companies are still opting for hybrid options despite lifted restrictions. And employees prefer more flexibility over a full return to the office. In addition, moving to more affordable locations allows a better work-life balance, even commuting to the office in the city once a week.
