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THE CLICK AND COLLECT BATTLE – The health crisis has led to a very strong growth in e-commerce, which for the moment does not seem to be reversing. However, behind this word lies a wide variety of logistic processes and commercial actors. For example, the way "click and collect" works is very different from an online platform like Amazon to a more traditional physical store. But contrary to many preconceived ideas, these stores could benefit from a stronger customer loyalty, an increased confidence in the quality of the product, or an easier return of the goods in case of non-satisfaction. However, making this organizational transition is very costly, and an almost Darwinian selection process will probably take place among salespeople. (Harvard Business Review) – Arthur Wienhold, Research Assistant
INEQUALITIES – A brief historical look at the period from the Great Plague of London in 1165 to the Spanish flu of 1918 shows that major epidemics have been followed by a sharp rise in inequalities. The Covid-19 pandemic is no exception: inequalities in the face of the disease are coupled with growing socio-economic inequalities leading, for the first time since 1998, to an increase in the global poverty rate. A brief look at history should also remind us not to underestimate the importance of these inequalities, even in the event of a strong economic recovery: not only do they tend to persist if measures are not taken to combat them, but they also weaken the social body and its capacity for resilience, like a gangrene, by nourishing resentment and resentment in a lasting way. (The Conversation, World Bank) – Chloë Voisin-Bormuth, Director of Research
CHINA’S CONCRETE JUNGLE – China wants to compete with New York and Central Park by building more urban parks to improve the daily quality of life of its citizens. As China's population becomes increasingly educated, citizens' expectations are no longer limited to high wages, but also demand a better quality of life. In response to this new societal trend, Chinese municipalities can force the removal of neighborhoods to make room for green spaces. Compensating property owners and building parks requires large investments, but for many citizens it brings long-term benefits as social needs have changed since the pandemic. (The Business Times) – Emilie Li, Research Assistant
A BETTER OR CHEAPER SERVICE? – Many U.S. cities waived bus fares during the pandemic, including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles—where buses are still free and will remain so until the pilot begins. But as some officials say "the cost of taking transit for low-income people is not just the fare", for most people, efficiency and reliability were bigger concerns than affordability. Should we choose between better services and cheaper services? (Slate) – Yamina Saydi, Communications Officer
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