Discover the Booming Industries That Thrived Amid Global Challenges
Explore how sectors like IT, grocery retail, and online education surged during the pandemic, uncovering new business opportunities and future trends in a rapidly evolving market.
We connected with industry leaders to understand what lies ahead as restrictions ease worldwide.
1. Grocery Retail
Regardless of circumstances, the need for food remains constant. During stressful times, people often buy even more groceries. The act of eating provides comfort, and stocked shelves reduce anxiety—knowing essentials like rice and potatoes are on hand offers peace of mind.
The grocery sector has seen a significant increase in hiring, especially for delivery couriers. Demand for couriers has surged by over 300%, offering quick income opportunities. Some couriers earn salaries comparable to those in tech roles, reaching up to $2,000 per month.
Arseny Fedotkin
Managing Partner, Selecty Recruitment Agency
Future Outlook
Food purchasing will continue, though sales volumes will hinge on consumers' financial health. Many have overcome delivery hesitations and are likely to continue using express delivery services, which can bring items like bread or ice cream within 15 minutes. Weekly grocery delivery services may also see growth compared to pre-pandemic times.
2. Courier Services
While grocery stores remained open, many retail and dining establishments relied heavily on courier services to maintain operations. Branded couriers became a common sight, delivering goods and meals, naturally boosting revenues and workforce sizes in this sector.
Future Outlook
This surge in demand may be temporary as people return to shopping centers and dining out. However, the habit of ordering delivery is expected to persist, though the scale remains uncertain.
Logistics companies should pivot towards marketplace platforms now to avoid missing out, as seen with DHL's transition in Germany. Marketplaces offer businesses with strong logistics a chance to move online and adopt new models where products can be sold without upfront inventory.
Andrey Pavlenko
CEO, Scallium Platform
3. Online Education
Online learning has been a growing trend, offering convenience from language tutoring to professional development without commuting. The pandemic accelerated this trend, attracting those seeking new skills out of boredom or career uncertainty.
Our platform registrations jumped nearly 650% within two weeks of lockdown, driven by increased time for self-education and fears of economic downturn prompting people to upskill promptly.
Alexander Nikitin
CEO, GeekBrains Educational Portal
Future Outlook
Post-restrictions, many might initially seek freedom from studies, but the need to learn new skills will resurface. Returning to online courses will be easier than starting fresh.
Current events uniquely stimulate demand for online services, though this growth may not be permanent after quarantine ends. Nonetheless, the pandemic has significantly propelled online education's development.
Nikolay Spiridonov
CEO, Tetrika Online School
4. IT Industry
The IT sector was already dynamic before the pandemic, but COVID-19 introduced new growth avenues. Businesses forced online needed digital tools urgently, from e-commerce platforms to remote learning apps and tenant communication systems.
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation across retail, delivery, and other services needing to reach isolated customers. Retailers require online stores; corporations and government sectors need remote education apps; housing companies seek tenant communication solutions.
Igor Khokhryakov
HR Director, 65apps
Life shifted online not only for business but also for social activities, including virtual parties and entertainment.
Video game development is booming as isolation increases online engagement. Game sales rose 63% in March, with Steam’s concurrent users hitting a record 22.6 million.
Sergey Zanin
IT Entrepreneur, Alawar Co-founder
Future Outlook
IT is poised for sustained growth due to phased reopening, the need for new business models, and consumer adaptation to digital interactions.
We expect development requests to accelerate as restrictions ease. The world is changing; businesses must embrace new communication channels.
Igor Khokhryakov
5. Home Fitness Equipment
With gyms closed, fitness enthusiasts adapted to home workouts, boosting demand for compact equipment like resistance bands, kettlebells, and dumbbells.
Interest in online fitness classes surged, benefiting both gyms trying to maintain revenue and providers specializing in virtual training.
Future Outlook
Though demand may seem seasonal, ongoing health guidelines will likely limit group classes, increasing the appeal of home workouts.
These measures will raise service costs, pushing active individuals toward flexible, affordable training formats. The pandemic will strengthen fitness companies’ online presence as people realize home workouts save both money and time.
Anastasia Chirchenko
Professional Trainer, Founder of RAKAMAKAFIT Fitness Brand
6. Legal Services
Legal assistance demand rises during crises due to business closures, layoffs, and financial challenges.
Client inquiries have doubled, necessitating new hires. April revenues increased despite some clients waiting for improvements, with no decline in demand expected.
Artur Yusupov
CEO, AYUR "White Stripe" LLC
Future Outlook
Legal services will remain essential, especially as laws evolve rapidly during the pandemic, requiring expert guidance.
7. Intimate Products
Lockdowns limited new social encounters, but the desire for stress relief persisted. Couples confined together also explored new dimensions.
We anticipated increased demand as people spent more time at home. Sales grew not only in mid-range but also premium products.
Vera Kuznetsova
Commercial Director, "69 Pleasures" Adult Store
Future Outlook
While the pandemic-driven surge may stabilize, broader conversations about intimate products and easier access to information could sustain interest.
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