We’re nearing the holidays, and what is often dubbed the “most wonderful time of the year” in the U.S. can also be the most stressful and chaotic time for retailers. It’s possible that the traditional stress of the holidays will be compounded this season by the societal stressors people are experiencing from COVID-19 health concerns, inflation and social unrest.
While the pandemic dissuaded many from in-person shopping last year, this season’s return to “normal” could also mean a return of holiday shopping crowds, potentially sparking violent clashes between customers and workers.