The Boston Globe reports that “as Americans redesign their lives for the contours of a ‘post-pandemic’ existence, Thursday is enjoying a renaissance.
“The once unremarkable day that historically predated the weekend has recently taken on a newfound importance, say bar and restaurant operators around Greater Boston. It’s busier than before COVID — sometimes so much so that owners have to hike up inventory or bring on extra staff to keep pace with the crowds. Data from Open Table shows that reservations through the service were up 30 percent the last Thursday in October, compared to the same day in 2019.
“The hybrid workweek is at least partly responsible for the trend … Those working on a hybrid schedule now see Thursday as the unofficial end of the work week, before they head to their home office on Friday. Nationwide, 23 percent of employees can work from home part time, according to a June survey from McKinsey, and many local companies allow people to stay home select days of the week.”
The Globe writes that “newly formed fluctuations in priorities and social habits are playing a role, too … Some theorized that the pandemic highlighted the need for greater work-life balance. Friendship, after all, shouldn’t be reserved for two nights a week, said Mario LaPosta of Da LaPosta, an Italian restaurant in Newtonville … It may also be that New Englanders have started to escape for weekend trips earlier and want to eat before they leave. Or that locking down a weekend restaurant reservation has just become too difficult.”
KC’s View:
I don’t think I’ve seen any data on this … but I wonder if these shifts in how and where people work have had any impact on when people grocery shop. I’m a lousy barometer for this stuff – since I’ve worked for myself for almost 30 years, I don’t have to account for my time or effort to anyone. I can go to the grocery store, or take the dogs for a walk, or go to a movie pretty much anytime I want, as long as MNB gets done.
Folks who are experiencing this kind of flexibility for the first time may find themselves undertaking these tasks and pleasures at non-traditional times. And retailers may need to find ways to adjust.
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