While the pandemic had a devastating effect on many businesses, the picture wasn’t universally bleak. As some faltered, others boomed, enjoying profitability as changes to people’s lifestyles led them to adopt new hobbies. With mass vaccination changing the trajectory of Covid-19, it remains to be seen whether these sectors continue to grow.
#1 Streaming services
Perhaps the biggest winners of all, it stands to reason that streaming services came out of the pandemic in an incredibly strong position. Almost everybody had more spare time as working from home eliminated the daily commute and some workplaces ceased to operate altogether. Movie theaters closed their doors or at least limited numbers. This, of course, led more people than ever into the world of streaming. Before the pandemic, the big streaming services were locked in competition, but unprecedented demand benefited them all, nearly equally. It’s unlikely that all those new customers will suddenly cancel their subscriptions en masse as life returns to normal.
#2 Online gambling
This also applies to traditional sportsbook betting and online casinos, both of which enjoyed an uptick in traffic. This can be attributed to several causes. More time spent at home meant more time for gambling. Changes to the working week gave people more time to themselves and there’s even a financial angle. Although the pandemic had a negative effect on some people’s income, others saved money by going out less and not going on vacation. This new disposable income tempted them online. The popularity of online gambling during the pandemic even led to new bookmakers opening their virtual doors. More choice, of course, means more competition and a scramble to attract new customers with attractive welcome bonuses. Many customers use comparison software to find the best sportsbooks, comparing bonuses and other features to inform their decision.
#3 Takeaway food services
Panic buying early in the pandemic and then a more general reluctance to visit the supermarket in person put a huge strain on food delivery services. As the months wore on, however, many adapted, hired new drivers and staff and started to reap the benefits of more people staying at home. Meal preparation services (which deliver a set of ingredients along with a recipe detailing how to prepare them) were especially popular, but the boom was universal. Fast food apps, pizza delivery and supermarket delivery services all saw vastly increased profits.
#4 Virtual reality
It might not be the most obvious entry to the list at first glance, but demand for virtual reality experiences make sense in the context of Covid-19. As popular locations the world over closed their doors, it fell to virtual reality to fill the gap. Plenty of culturally significant places jumped on board including The Louvre, the Sistine Chapel and even the Great Wall of China.
While normality will likely see the end of virtual tours for these places, there will be a lasting effect. More people than ever are now aware of virtual reality’s potential and the creative ways that it can be used.
