Repurposing Unused Capacity for Vaccination Sites

Repurposing Unused Capacity for Vaccination Sites

February 17, 2021
David Little, Ph.D.

Mall retail store vacancies are at historic highs of 10.5%.  Meanwhile, vaccination sites require significant parking spaces near major transportation routes, with room for a large number of vaccinated patients to wait the required 15 minutes after treatment while under observation for allergic reactions.  Colder weather makes indoor facilities ideal for this 15-minute waiting period.

Empty mall space is an ideal solution for local health departments to utilize for vaccine administration.  As such, mall owners across the country have been partnering with local health departments.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the CNN article, Vaccination megasites pop up in empty malls, by Parija Kavilanz, January 15, 2021, and the YouTube videos in the Spotlight. Francis Zera/Spaces Images/Blend Images LLC

Discussion Questions:

1.  Choose a local mall that students might be familiar (or draw a typical mall layout on the Continue reading →

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P.F. Chang’s Expands To-Go

P.F. Chang’s Expands To-Go

January 12, 2021
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

P.F. Chang’s has over 200 restaurants in the United States, and an additional 95 restaurants across 25 countries.  For the majority of these restaurants, the majority of revenue is derived from dining in the restaurant.

With its percentage of sales increasing for take-out and delivery, P.F. Chang’s has been moving away from traditional dine-in restaurants.  Even before the pandemic, the company closed its Chicago dine-in restaurant and opened three to-go restaurants throughout the Chicago area.  Their plan is to open three to-go restaurants in New York City, with an additional 12 to-go locations throughout the United States.

The to-go locations use a smaller footprint by not having a dining area.  A traditional P.F. Chang’s restaurant would be approximately 7,000 square feet.  The to-go version will be between 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.  These to-go sites will offer a reduced menu, concentrating on customer favorites.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Restaurant Dive article, P.F. Chang’s Continues Takeout-Only Expansion with NYC Launch, by Julie Littman, October 19, 2020; the Jacksonville Daily Record article, P.F. Chang’s bringing To Go concept Continue reading →

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Amazon One Lets You Pay With Your Hands

Amazon One Lets You Pay With Your Hands

December 1, 2020
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

How you pay for your items in retail stores is changing.

Walmart is promoting the use of its app to create a contactless payment.  Simply scan your items at any checkout lane, and then use the app on your smartphone.  Hold your phone over the QR code on the register and the app will bill your credit, debit, or gift card.  This helps create a hands-free payment.

Amazon is taking contactless payment one step further.

With the introduction of Amazon One, you no longer need your wallet or smartphone.  Simply hold your hand over a scanner, and you’re identified through the use of biometrics which are linked to your credit or debit card to pay for your purchases.

Amazon has introduced this technology at two of its Amazon Go stores.  The plan is to introduce it at additional Amazon Go stores, and to make it available to other retailers.

Video Spotlight: Amazon One: an easier way through your day (Sept 29, 2020, amazon)

This post is based on the Texarkana Gazette article, The Midas Touch: Amazon Imagines A World Where You Pay with Your Hand. Privacy Experts Aren’t So Sure, Continue reading →

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