Whisper it quietly, but there are signs that the coronavirus clouds are beginning to lift and 2022 may finally be the year we enter full recovery mode. But what’s been at the forefront of this change?

TECHNOLOGY.

Throughout the pandemic, technology has revolutionised our daily routines by providing useful information at our fingertips. Technology has positively impacted all areas of our lives – from enriching our digital connections, to being able to collaborate and communicate more effectively with our friends, family, colleagues, clients and suppliers. After all, it was technology that offered us a lifeline that helped us to survive lockdown and adjust to what is now considered ‘the new normal’.

Can you imagine what working from home would look like without the helping hand of Microsoft Teams or Zoom?

Accordingly, individual’s preferences to how they wanted to work shifted during the pandemic with popularity rising for a more flexible and hybrid approach. So, it’s no surprise to see that we want to reflect this change throughout our homes and make the most out of everyday spaces. Consumers are also, quite rightly, demanding more, resulting in developers having to rethink how much investment is needed in infrastructure networks to accommodate for our everchanging needs.

Although high street retail has suffered due to the competition posed from online shopping, there are still glimmers of hope for those who focus on building lasting relationships with local customers. Local shopping soared at the beginning of the pandemic (partially due to panic and the rush to buy our all-important toilet rolls) and demonstrated no signs of slowing down to pre-pandemic levels.

Developers who are increasingly utilising technology to help create well connected neighbourhoods are also playing a vital role in supporting local high streets by facilitating communication.

Technology solutions

Resident portals such as Spike Living, which can be accessed from your phone, provides online support to all the facilities of a building – from booking a slot at the gym, to arranging the concierge to take in a parcel. Residents can also use this technology to connect with services beyond their apartments.

During the pandemic, the portal was developed to connect neighbours with virtual clubs and social events, providing much needed human contact to avoid loneliness and isolation during lockdown. It was also used to help residents connect with services in the local area, from wellness providers to cleaners, as a way of supporting local business through a difficult and unprecedented time.

So, how is technology changing retailers?

Spike Living technology offers incredible scope for to shape our shopping habits, where developers and retailers can work together to build a lasting relationship with its local residents, from offering priority offers through the app, to VIP evenings and more.

Technology brands such as Spike Global champion the importance of community engagement, both in how we live and how we consume. In the long-awaited post-pandemic world, it anticipates that technology will be even more crucial for local businesses to really thrive, whilst giving residents a rich and agile technology experience in turn.

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