The economic shutdown that happened in early 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic impacted every industry. Among the industries hit the hardest were retail, travel, and hospitality. Since people were required to shelter at home, shopping, traveling, staying in hotels, and dining in restaurants virtually stopped. Other industries that experienced downturns included manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution. However, many companies in these industries were able to adapt their offerings to continue operations. As a result of creativity and innovation, millions of jobs were created.
Many companies pivoted their focus to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. For instance, one business in Ohio that made windshield coating systems trained half of its workers to make custom protective barriers to prevent coronavirus transmission. Also, states such as California, Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio created an online marketplace that helped factories reach out to potential customers in need of barriers, masks, and other personal protective equipment. Additionally, Indiana offered millions of dollars in grants to help factories modernize or begin creating emergency health care supplies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Further, an automotive parts dealer began making hospital gowns for local hospitals. And, auto plants in Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Tennessee began manufacturing face shields and ventilators. Plus, a company in Wisconsin hired additional employees to build medical ventilators, CT scan machines, ultrasound devices, mobile X-ray systems, patient monitors, and ventilators. These companies needed to hire additional workers to keep up with production demands.
Due to the significant demand for e-commerce and essential goods when people were asked to stay home, many companies were hiring to fill warehouse jobs. For instance, as Amazon sales reached near-holiday-season levels, the company planned to hire 175,000 warehouse and delivery workers in March and April. Also, because in-store sales at Walmart skyrocketed in March, the retailer planned to hire an additional 150,000 workers by May.
As the demand for essential goods and food skyrocketed during the shutdown, the need to fill distribution jobs increased. For instance, CVS planned to hire 50,000 workers, including distribution center employees, to lessen the strain on its workforce. Also, Walmart planned to hire 150,000 workers for distribution and fulfillment centers in the U.S. to increase its supply chain. Additionally, Amazon planned to hire 100,000 workers for its fulfillment centers. Further, Albertsons planned to hire 30,000 employees for distribution and other jobs with Albertsons, Safeway, Randalls, United Supermarkets, and other subsidiaries. Plus, Domino’s hired 10,000 employees, many for jobs at its supply chain centers.
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