Lifestyle changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have helped sales in certain retail categories. More time at home including remote work is the reason, according to the NPD Group, a market research firm.
Increased consumption of home cooked meals has increased sales of appliances such as hand mixers, electric grills, slow cookers and coffee makers. Sales in categories such as toys and video games also are reportedly up as parents and children plan more activities at home.
Heading toward back-to-school and the holiday shopping season, the firm also expects increased computer sales as home schooling and remote learning become necessities or preferences in many parts of the nation. Increased telework also could improve sales of office furniture.
