Change is inevitable. The retail catastrophe occurring now highlights this statement. Technology was already altering how
people shop. Retailers who were slow to embrace this change are particularly hurt during the Pandemic as their sales disappear
overnight. This outcome is not the tragedy nor the challenge of the moment. The low wages and insecure employment that is endemic to the sector will almost certainly face prolonged scrutiny. What emerges on the other side will need to embrace
people, technology, and the follow-on higher costs. The result: some businesses may face extinction if they are unable to deliver an engaging consumer experience while meeting their employees and customers’ increased needs.