Life goes on. We must continue doing business more than ever. The companies need us, the international trade needs to continue, and the economy restart. The Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic is appreciating every networking event, every meeting whether virtual or in-person during these tough times. The business goes on.

While many companies are hurting during the coronavirus pandemic, some small businesses are seeing lots of new and returning customers. Our team regularly meets and discusses how we can help Czech companies growing and how to help Indian companies to accommodate in the Czech Republic better.

With the Czech but also Indian landscape radically changing in the past several months due to the coronavirus, the majority of stories people are seeing concern businesses that are closing, losing revenue, and laying off workers. However, some small businesses have proven to be uniquely suited to the COVID-19 crisis and have seen an uptick in demand.

With all kinds of businesses creatively learning to adapt to coronavirus, it should come as no surprise that some traditional businesses have seen success in this new landscape as well. Businesses that help people socially distance themselves from others, retailers that enable people to eat and drink at home, and health care services are primary examples.

We are constantly meeting and discussing among ourselves how to help the companies in the Czech Republic to be successful and how to bring them to India. Also, our Indian partners are asking how to come to the Czech Republic these days, where are the business opportunities. This was also the topic for discussion with the new Indian Ambassador in the Czech Republic, His Excellency, Mr. Hemant Harishchandra Kotalwar who replaced the previous Ambassador of India, Her Excellency Mrs. Narinder Chauhan, who retired and returned back to India last year. Our President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, Mr. Manish Sahijwani, and Vice President of The Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Mr. Petr Zmátlík met with the Ambassador this week and discussed restarting of the business

Mr. Petr Zmátlík, Vice President Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, H.E. Ambassador Hemant Harishchandra Kotalwar and President of Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Mr. Manish Sahijwani, meeting 11.03.2021

 

Here's a list of small business types that are seeing strong demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cleaning services

With the spread of coronavirus fears around the country, it should come as no surprise that professional cleaning services that sanitize offices, restaurants and homes are in high demand. Cleaning companies, their demand has increased substantially for commercial buildings and medical facilities in light of COVID-19.

Delivery services

With many consumers afraid to leave their homes or being advised by state governments to shelter in place during the coronavirus crisis, professional delivery services have stepped up to make sure goods can be delivered to homes and businesses. While global food delivery services and corporate retail deliveries have been the largest beneficiary, local delivery services in the towns like Prague, Brno, Ostrava are also seeing strong demand.

Grocery stores

With the general public practicing “social distancing” and restaurants closing dining rooms, more families are stocking up on goods and eating at home. This has led large and small grocers alike to see surges in customer demand.

Liquor and wine stores

With many bars closed around the Czech Republic due to COVID-19, local liquor and wine stores have dramatically increased sales. Our partners in the wine business have been difficult to keep up with demand in the past few weeks with people wanting to stock up at home.

Meal prep delivery services

Many of the top brands for meal preparation and delivery are skyrocketing due to people spending more time at home and less at restaurants. Taking advantage of this trend, several small businesses that offer meal prep and delivery are also seeing increased demand.

Canned and jarred goods companies

With many people wanting to stock up on canned and jarred food, small businesses that manufacture these goods are seeing more business. We have seen a lot of new sales for things like fresh tomato sauce.

Game makers and sellers

With the novel coronavirus forcing many people to stay at home instead of going out, small businesses that create board games and puzzles are popular since they help entertain families. Especially the timely cooperative board game Pandemic. Additionally, small video game makers that work on creative titles for children are seeing an uptick in demand with many kids unable to attend school. Our business partners and software creators / APP developers are busy like there was no pandemic.

Fitness equipment companies

With all gyms closed across the country, Czechs have turned to home gyms in order to help them stay fit during the coronavirus crisis. While yoga mat purchases are likely the number one purchase for many working out at home, other fitness products are seeing success.

Landscaping and yard care companies

As more people than ever are stuck at home due to coronavirus fears, homeowners have much more time to tend to their lawns and gardens. As such, landscaping and general yard care companies are seeing unseasonably good business.

Bread-baking companies

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed more people to spend time at home cooking and baking, making all sorts of new recipes. One part of this new trend is specifically baking bread, which is helping Czechs alleviate stress and tap into their creativity. In turn, companies that enable the baking of bread have seen their demand sharply increase, including makers of flour and yeast. During the biggest crisis last year, one could not find the yeast at all.

Mask makers

While mask-making wasn’t exactly in high demand at the beginning of 2020, just a few months later it has become a popular choice for new entrepreneurs. Czechs all over the country want to obtain high-quality (and in some cases creative) masks to protect themselves and those around them.

Health e-shops

In the era of COVID-19, many people don’t want to leave their homes unless it is absolutely necessary, and they especially don’t want to go to pharmacies where they could be exposed to the novel coronavirus. Thus, health e-shops that allow patients to shop via computers or phones have become more popular, increasing an estimated 50%.

Tutoring businesses

With all schools around the country shifting from in-person learning to online for some or all instruction, some parents are concerned their children will fall behind during the transition. One way parents are working to keep their kids’ education on track is the hiring of private tutors. These businesses, sometimes with multiple tutors or sometimes sole proprietors, are seeing more demand.

Furniture sellers

With more people spending time at home seemingly than ever due to COVD-19, furniture sales have increased to help people make living rooms, patios, and home offices more comfortable. “If they’re going to be home, they might as well have their home look good.”

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