The pandemic changed buying, learning, and care—fast. Some sectors didn’t just survive; they expanded. If you’re planning a new build or a pivot, use these five businesses during COVID-19 as your starting lineup.
1) Online Retail Marketplaces
Why it worked
- Lockdowns pushed shoppers online
- Convenience + doorstep delivery
- Wider catalog than local stores
What to get right
- Reliable shipping + clear SLAs
- Contactless delivery policies
- Easy returns & refunds
Starter toolkit
- Build a vendor-led marketplace with our WCFM Marketplace Essential Guide
- Plan your workflows with WooCommerce Frontend Manager Guide
- Need help? Contact our team
2) Food & Grocery Delivery
Why it worked
- Panic buying → stockouts locally
- Hygiene concerns kept diners home
- Recurring needs suit subscriptions
What to get right
- Strong last-mile network
- Slot-based scheduling & ETAs
- Cold-chain for perishables
Starter toolkit
- Compare tech stacks with WCFM vs Dokan
- Add upsells via Personalized Recommendations Strategy
- Ready to scope? Talk to us
3) E-Learning Platforms & Course Marketplaces
Why it worked
- School closures → remote learning
- Reskilling during layoffs
- On-demand, self-paced formats
What to get right
- Cohort structure + community
- Mobile-first UX & low bandwidth
- Assessments, certificates, bundles
Starter toolkit
- Validate first: Validating Your Marketplace Idea
- Plan expansion: Plan Your Online Marketplace (Part 2)
- Need LMS + commerce? Contact us
4) Virtual Healthcare & Teleconsultation
Why it worked
- Hospital overloads
- Remote triage convenience
- Lower visit friction, wider reach
What to get right
- Compliance (HIPAA/region rules)
- Consent logs & audit trails
- Clear emergency handoff paths
Starter toolkit
- Role-based portals via WooCommerce Frontend Manager Guide
- Rapid vendor onboarding with WCFM Ultimate Upgrade
- Book a consult: Contact us
5) Fitness & Wellness at Home
Why it worked
- Gym closures
- Mental health focus
- App-based habit tracking
What to get right
- Live + recorded classes
- Tiered memberships & trials
- Programs (e.g., 4-week plans)
Starter toolkit
- Compare marketplace stacks: WCFM vs Dokan
- Personalize offers: Recommendations Strategy
- Get implementation support: Contact us
Implementation Notes (from our builds)
- Data first: validate demand with small pilots before full build.
- Automation: vendor onboarding, KYC, catalog imports, payouts.
- Retention: community, rewards, win-back sequences.
- Resilience: backups, rollback plans, error monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these categories still viable post-pandemic?
Yes. Buyer behavior shifted toward digital convenience and stuck. The models still perform with the right positioning and UX.
Should I start with a marketplace or a single-seller store?
Start lean. Validate with single-seller. When traction proves out, layer vendors.
What’s the fastest way to test?
Ship an MVP: narrow niche, 20–50 SKUs/providers, and clear fulfillment scope.
How do I keep CAC under control?
SEO + partnerships + referral loops. Add smart recommendations to lift AOV.
