E-commerce, the practice of shopping and consuming services online and electronically instead of at brick-and-mortar stores, has accelerated significantly during the pandemic. The e-commerce economy is here, strong, and making a mark on the ways the region uses our highways, streets, and commercial spaces.
A NIRPC report, “E-commerce in Northwest Indiana,” released November 19, 2020, indicates dynamic shifts in commerce, including a 12% decline in shopping trips, the closure of nearly 28% of consumer electronics stores, and a predicted 40% growth in urban freight delivery. Retail businesses have been particularly impacted by changing trends.
The report makes several recommendations to help Northwest Indiana adapt, including investment in targeted transportation connectivity projects, new tax structures, and repurposed big-box stores. Several areas in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties are identified as uniquely positioned for growth.
Read the full report, "E-commerce in Northwest Indiana"
The U.S. Faces Major Shifts in Commerce Patterns
NIRPC's Commission has recently approved the Northwest Indiana E-Commerce Report. Learn more about e-commerce in Northwest Indiana here.
To learn more about e-Commerce in Northwest Indiana, please reach out to Planning Manager, Eman Ibrahim at eibrahim@nirpc.org
NIRPC has designed and implemented an interactive COVID-19, which you can find here. Track and observe how COVID-19 is impacting communities across Northwest Indiana.
For more information and resources in regard to COVID-19, please visit the Northwest Indiana COVID-19 Resource Page
United NWI
NWI’s diversity is celebrated, and we work together as a community across racial, ethnic, political and cultural lines for the mutual benefit of the region.