The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has had a serious impact on the mental health of people globally. The restricted lifestyle caused by a series of complete and partial lockdowns throughout 2020 and even 2021 has seen increased mental health-related issues leading to depression and anxiety across segments of society in India and in such times, pets have emerged as widely accepted pacifiers that offer emotional support and sense of purpose.

It's been more than a year since the pandemic hit the nation and the entire world and ever since, there has been a continuous rise in people getting inclined towards holistic well-being and a healthier lifestyle. People have become aware more than ever before and have included health supplements, etc. in their daily routine, for better health and more immunity.

One thing that the pandemic has a positive outcome on is the technology integration and innovation across industries. Even as brands across categories were working towards getting digitally advanced and tech-savvy, Covid-19 expedited the process for them and it became more a necessity than an added advantage. With the onset of the pandemic, the world got confined to their homes and the retail operations saw a complete halt across segments, and adapting to the new normal was the only option left for these retail brands in order to stay afloat and relevant during the ongoing crisis.

The pandemic induced by Covid-19 has had a drastic impact on the overall retail industry and the Indian ethnic wear segment was no exception. The lockdown led to drastic changes in consumer buying behavior and there was a considerable decline in buying power of the average consumer with essentials being given more importance.

One thing Covid has changed for consumers of today, especially the younger generation, is making them aware and ever more conscious about their health and inclined towards a healthy lifestyle. Besides naturally derived, balanced and nutritious food, a rising number of consumers are reaching out for beverages that do more than just quench their thirst and this is driving a forceful demand for functional beverages to meet their needs.

The ongoing pandemic has forced the whole of the footwear industry to retrace its steps. With sales of formal shoes declining and consumers working from home, the footwear brands are turning towards casual and open footwear.

India has always been a magnetic field for international brands and foreign investors. The country is the fifth largest and preferred retail destination for international brands and businesses and has become the next destination for expansion for many renowned international brands across categories. Besides consumer sentiments, India’s policies too have become more favorable than ever before for these firms to enter and do business in the country.

The world is undergoing a major crisis currently. The pandemic led by Covid-19 has sent shockwaves across the world, dislocated international supply chains, and has led to an economic crisis. Consumers have become more anxious than ever and these developments are fundamentally reshaping how consumers perceive value and seek affordability in the post-Covid era.

Over the past year, people have become cozier and more attached to their beds. Immersed in a work-from-home situation, they are working from their beds, relaxing on their beds, and spending most of the day’s time in the sack. This and the rising awareness about benefits of a good quality mattress and moreover the benefits on the health of getting better sleep and having a better posture, increase in earning capability, growth in the real estate and hospitality sectors, etc. have led consumers of today to opt for the best of the brands offering innovative and quality mattresses.

India is the fifth-largest and preferred retail destination for international brands and businesses for ages now and the nation, over the past few years, has opened its gate to some of the biggest brands in the world and their success has continually enticed others to explore the opportunity that is Indian retail industry. The country is among the highest in the world in terms of per capita retail store availability. The segment has witnessed a drastic growth post-liberalization.

If one had to give the credit for most changes ever brought across segments and habits in a single year, it had to be 2020. The year saw drastic changes in the overall retail segment, the way people shopped, consumer behavior, their lifestyle, their shopping choices, etc. and this is being continued to the current year.