The year 2020 brought a wave of disruption that reshaped everyday life and placed intense strain on the American economy. It was a period marked by “a series of events that changed daily life, disrupted routines,” leaving many industries struggling to keep pace with sudden and lasting change.

The retail sector was among the hardest hit. As public-health concerns spread, businesses faced conditions “unlike anything it had faced before.” Store closures, safety restrictions, and economic uncertainty made normal operations difficult and unpredictable.

With people staying home, consumer habits shifted rapidly. Shoppers increasingly turned to e-commerce, while physical stores found it harder to survive. As the article notes, “traditional brick-and-mortar stores struggled to maintain sales and cover operational costs,” creating severe financial pressure.

These challenges did not emerge overnight. Even before the crisis, retail was already changing as online shopping gained popularity. However, the pandemic dramatically sped up this transformation, creating “an uneven landscape” that tested even well-established brands.

Many retailers tried to respond by cutting costs, reducing inventory, or strengthening their digital platforms. Despite these efforts, “for many, these adjustments were not enough to offset the financial impact of declining foot traffic and temporary closures.” The events of 2020 ultimately forced the retail industry to confront deep structural changes that continue to shape its future.