The recent resurgence of the pandemic has prodded us once again to cut back on flying, dining out, staying at hotels and other activities away from home in another blow to the economy. The number of seated diners at restaurants fell this week to a six-month low. Occupancy is off 65% from a year ago. Similar declines have taken place in airline travel, hotel reservations, and use of public transport. Mobility data collected by Google and Apple show that people are driving and even walking around less, though colder weather is a contributing factor.
Walmart has announced the last moments shoppers can place online orders for both delivery and store pickup by Christmas. Saturday at 2 p.m. local time is Walmart's deadline for free two-day shipping on eligible items while Dec. 21 is the deadline for free next-day delivery. For some retailers, like H&M, Lego, Bath & Body Works, the deadlines have passed.
