There’s no denying that the global Covid-19 pandemic has a dramatic impact on just about every facet of our existence – and along with it, its far reaching effects reshaped the global economy and changed the way industries operate forever. Although it was during the ongoing lockdowns that these shifts became the most apparent, many of them have since shown that they are here to stay permanently, with the sectors that adapted the fastest not just managing to weather the storm, but to thrive in the face of adversity.
As the ways in which we sourced entertainment, connected with friends and family and indulged in shopping sprees became entirely digital at the height of the pandemic, many industries also took the opportunity to redefine luxury and appeal to the high-net-worth customer in new ways, leading innovation to spark a new era of opulent experiences in the post-pandemic world.
Online casinos
Casinos faced a similar challenge to that of land-based designer boutiques and shops during the pandemic, and again, had no choice but to embrace technology. Whilst there’s nothing quite like the glitz and glamour of a real-life night at the casino, with land-based venues forced to shut up shop, the world’s biggest names in casino gaming had to scramble to build and elevate their online presences in a bid to retain the interest of their highest-rolling customers, as well as attracting new ones.
From immersive gaming experiences to VIP programmes offering a host of lavish perks and prizes, this shift towards a more opulent online experience has seen interest in the world of digital casinos continue to surge even after the pandemic ended, with record numbers of users logging onto online platforms that offer quick payouts via their smartphones each day to get their gaming fix.
E-commerce
Perhaps one of the most obvious shifts to have come out of the pandemic and to have cemented itself firmly into our lifestyles is in the world of eCommerce, which although certainly nothing new, has undergone something of a transformation. With people forced to stay at home for extended periods of time and our favourite shops and boutiques given no choice but to close their doors during lockdowns, luxury brands found themselves having to embrace the digital realm wholeheartedly.
In particular, they had to uplevel the customer experience to fill in the gaps left behind by face-to-face and in-store shopping experiences, making their online journeys a more immersive and tailored experience. Virtual and augmented reality technology are now being used to allow customers to ‘try before they buy’ from the comfort of their sofas, and artificial intelligence has made it possible for brands to make suggestions and recommendations that cater to their habits and suit their tastes, changing the way we shop online and injecting an extra sense of luxury.
Wellness and self-care
As well as shining a spotlight on the importance of taking care of our physical health, the months of isolation and fear that came with the Covid-19 pandemic also had a devastating impact on mental health for many. The health and wellness industry was quick not just to respond but also to pre-empt this, and it wasn’t long before everything from your favourite workout, yoga and meditation classes to doctor’s appointments and counselling sessions went almost entirely online.
Since then, the health and wellness sector has continued to boom both online and offline as we place a new found importance on every aspect of our wellbeing and take a more holistic approach to body, mind and soul. We’re investing more than ever before in our health, understanding that it’s something you simply can’t put a price on, and from mindfulness apps to high-end gym wear, pricey health foods and wellness retreats hosted in spectacular mountain and seaside resorts, no expense is being spared.
Electric vehicles
The conversation around climate change and finding more sustainable ways to live was already well underway prior to the pandemic, and with the entire population forced to stay at home for months at a time under lockdown regulations, the positive effects on the environment were something that couldn’t be ignored. With fewer people commuting to work by car, bus or train, and international flights all but entirely off the agenda for extended periods, carbon emissions fell dramatically – further underlining the importance of implementing sustainable solutions sooner rather than later as life eventually returned to normal.
As a result, the development and adoption of electric vehicles has accelerated quickly, with many esteemed luxury car brands rushing to create lavish EVs that encapsulate a new era of eco-conscious luxury. Featuring a host of high-end features along with plush interiors, this new breed of EV is proof that it’s no longer necessary to compromise on the finer things in life to do your bit for the environment.
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