It’s crazy to think we’re almost at the Fourth of July! Since the reopening (yes, even Northern Virginia!), the days seem to have flown by. But a ton has happened. Over the last few weeks, we’ve been buzzing about our office reopening (and the return of Lorne’s music), what restaurants we can go to while safely social distancing, the worldwide spread of Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd — and how Fish can support the movement — and, of course, all things Bravo.
We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Fish Insights! As always, we’d love to hear what you think. Feel free to shoot me an email at adavidson@fish-consulting.com if you love it or have ideas for how we can improve it.
Restaurants
- Food producers are preparing for the second wave of COVID-19 to ensure supply chains remain uninterrupted.
- Experts ranked 36 activities based on coronavirus risk level — and bars topped the list as the riskiest.
- LGBTQ-friendly restaurants are hoping Pride Month will give them a boost in business.
Travel & Hospitality
- Norwegian announced it will extend its suspension of cruises to October. This follows Princess Cruises’ announcement that cruises would remain suspended through at least mid-September.
- Is it safe to stay in a hotel during COVID-19? The general consensus from experts is yes, as long as hotels are doing these things.
- Hotels are revamping their design and amenities during the pandemic — and I am 100% here for making guest rooms private fitness studios.
Fitness, Health, & Wellness
- Two words: fitness pods. (I don’t hate this idea.)
- Outdoor workout classes are officially a thing.
- Between the lingering pandemic and ongoing Black Lives Matters protests, black Americans are at a higher risk for mental health struggles.
Home Services
- Here are three home services you’re probably paying too much for. (Pro tip: Buy your own pressure washer; it’s actually fun and surprisingly satisfying to blast that dirt and grime away.)
- If you don’t have a toilet with a lid, it’s probably time to get one. Here’s why.
- Home cleaning services are taking extra precautions to avoid spreading germs between homes.
Retail
- Retail sales jumped nearly 18% in May as stores reopened — but don’t get too excited. One expert called the spike a result of “lockdown fatigue.” We still have a long road to economic recovery.
- After receiving renewed criticism amid the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, the 130-year-old Aunt Jemima syrup brand is changing its name and image, recognizing its “origins are based on a racial stereotype.” ????????????????????????????????????????
- This headline says it all: Corporate America Says Black Lives Matter. It Needs to Hold Up a Mirror.
Beauty
- Beauty brands are looking to amplify the voices of black LGBTQ+ influencers. ????????????️????
- A reporter tracked the Black Lives Matter responses of over 150 beauty brands to help consumers become more informed shoppers.
- The fact that America’s beauty salons and barbershops have been booked solid since reopening tells you everything you need to know about the importance we place on personal grooming.