If you’ve strolled down Main Street in any small Midwestern town lately, you might’ve noticed something a bit disheartening – more and more empty storefronts, like missing teeth in a once bright smile. These streets, once the heartbeat of the town with their bustling mom-and-pop shops and cozy diners, have taken a real hit during the COVID pandemic.

It’s a tough sight, especially for those of us who remember the lively chatter and the friendly banter that connected so many of us in the past.

As we look at the future of Main Street, we’ll look at how these vital parts of our communities, which got decimated as folks turned to online shopping during the lockdowns, are trying to bounce back. Will they regain their old charm, or are we looking at a new kind of Main Street? Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening and what it might mean for our towns.

If you wander into any old store these days, you’ll likely see a pattern with the ones that are losing out to the internet market. We’re talking about the kind of goods you can count on being the same every time, that don’t spoil on the shelf, and don’t need you to try them on or take them for a test drive. Let’s paint a picture of why this is happening:

Bakeries and food shops that can leverage the taste and smell experience will survive, But stores selling products that are less experiential and fit neatly in a box are more likely to be bought online.

Stores That Might Get Gobbled Up by Online Shopping

The shops that stick to selling these things might just get edged out unless they figure out a way to make the store something special – something you can’t get from a screen. It’s that personal touch, a deal you can’t pass up, or something you can’t find anywhere else that’ll keep Main Street buzzing.

1. Gizmo Shops: Think about where you get your phones, computers, and those little doo-dads that go with them. You can spot all the nitty-gritty details and specs on the web, compare them, and click “buy” without stepping foot in the store.
2. The Corner Bookshop: It’s a hard truth, but those cozy places with stacks of books are having a rough go. Websites like Amazon can get you a book without the hassle, and usually at a bargain.
3. Clothes Chains: Sure, for a special outfit, you might pop into a store, but for everyday wear like socks and such? Folks are just loading up their virtual carts.
4. The Big Stores: You know, the ones – they sell a bit of everything. They’re duking it out with online sellers who bring it right to your doorstep.
5. Toy Stores: The little ones might love a trip to the toy store, but these days, the internet’s full of the same toys, often cheaper or with more variety.
6. Music and Movie Shops: Since folks are streaming or downloading what they want to watch or listen to, the old physical copies are becoming collectors’ items more than anything else.

Goods That Are Feeling the Squeeze:

1. Everyday Items:
   We’re talking soap, paper towels, and canned beans – stuff you can stock up on without leaving your house.
2. Techie Gadgets:
   Cameras and headphones are a dime a dozen online.
3. Reads and Tunes:
   With a click, you can have a new book or album; no need to rummage through shelves.
4. Desk Supplies:
   Why drive to pick up pens and paper when a box of them can land on your porch?
5. Kitchen Helpers:
   Small appliances are showing up on doorsteps more than in shopping bags these days.
6. Workout Gear:
   Why wander around town for a yoga mat when the web has a hundred kinds, with reviews to boot?

Why’s All This Happening?

1. Easy to Ship:If it fits neatly in a box, it’s likely to be bought online.
2. No Need to See in Person: If you don’t need to try it on or see it up close, the Internet’s got it covered.
3. Same Price Everywhere:I>When the price tag’s the same, no matter where you look, the web often wins.
4. Not in a Rush:If you don’t need it right this second, you’ll probably order it online.

Young people walking into a farm-to-table restaurant on Main Street in the year 2050!

Shops Facing Challenging Times Ahead

Online shopping’s been booming, and that’s put our Main Street shops through the wringer. But don’t you worry. Not all of them are going the way of the Dodo. Here’s the scoop on who’s sticking around and what kind of newfangled shops might pop up:

• Quirky Little Boutiques: These gems are where you find treasures you didn’t even know you needed. They’re the ones with the hand-painted signs and the windows full of wonders. Inside, it’s like a treasure hunt, with each item having its own story – from handcrafted jewelry that comes with a tale to pottery made with local clay. It’s shopping turned into storytelling, and that’s something you just can’t cart into your online checkout.
• Places for a Trim or a Treat: Stroll on into the local salon or barbershop, and you’re not just getting a haircut; you’re getting the latest town news, a bit of gossip, and maybe even a life lesson from the old-timers. It’s where the magic happens, transforming your look while keeping traditions alive, one snip at a time. And let’s not forget the spas – havens of tranquility where they pamper you until you forget the meaning of stress.
• Your Hometown Diner or Café: The heartbeats of our towns, these eateries are where memories are made over a cup of joe. They’re places where the booths hold generations of stories, and the specials board changes, but the quality doesn’t. From early risers seeking a hearty breakfast to late-nighters craving a slice of pie, these joints are a testament to the enduring need for connection and comfort food.
• The Heart of the Town Shops:Wander into the local bookstore, and you’ll find more than shelves of books; you’ll find lively discussions, kids’ story hours, and that personal recommendation from the owner that somehow becomes your new favorite read. The holiday markets, with their twinkle lights and hand-knit scarves, become annual traditions where you bump into everyone you know.
• Gyms and Yoga Spots: Sure, there are online workouts, but they can’t replace the camaraderie of a group class or the encouragement of a personal trainer right by your side. These are the spots where people grunt, sweat, and triumph together. It’s community built on shared goals and the occasional high-five after a particularly grueling session.
• The Necessities: When life throws a curveball, you want your lawyer, accountant, or doctor within arm’s reach—not at the end of a chatbot conversation. These professionals keep the wheels of our daily lives greased and moving. They’re part confidante, part problem-solver, and wholly irreplaceable.

These establishments are more than just businesses; they’re cornerstones of community life. They bring texture to our towns and give us places to gather, share, and grow. They’re the threads in the fabric of society that no online platform can unravel. They’re our Main Street’s beating heart, keeping the rhythm that online shopping just can’t match.

Next-generation co-working facilities will become one of the cornerstones of Main Street USA.

The Next Wave – Understanding What’s New on the Block

In this new era, Main Street’s got to be crafty. It’s about crafting experiences you can’t download and memories you can’t package. It’s about places that tell a story, provide a service, or just give you a spot to be. That’s the charm that keeps our Main Street not just alive but kicking with gusto.

• Stores That Make Shopping a Party:
  Imagine a place where shopping is just the beginning. These shops are throwing a regular shindig where you can get your hands dirty in a pottery class, stitch your own quilt, or be the first to get a glimpse of a product before it hits the market. It’s an outing, an event, a crafty corner of the world where the purchase is just part of the fun.
• Pit Stops for Your Online Buys:
  These handy dandy spots are the new kids on the block, acting like a friend’s porch for all your parcel pickups. Didn’t fit? Not quite right? No fuss – drop it off, and they’ll handle the rest. And if you can’t wait for that shipping email, some items can be grabbed then and there.
• The Best of Both Worlds:
  There’s something reassuring about laying eyes on what you’re buying. These shops let you do just that – take a gander, feel the fabric, and then order with a tap. No more guessing games with sizes or colors; you get the real deal preview before you click “buy.”
• Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Shops:
  These pop-ups are like the carnivals of retail, bringing the new, the now, and the nostalgia. They set up shop with the changing seasons, offering everything from holiday decorations to summer beach gear, and then vanish like a mirage until the next big thing rolls around.
• Healthy Living Centers:
  These aren’t your average stores; they’re more like a visit to the farmer’s yard. Fresh, vibrant, and straight from the soil – they’re the go-to for a health kick or just some delicious grub with a backstory of where it’s grown and who’s grown it.
• Co-Working Spaces – Where the Work Gets Done:
  In these modern times, these co-working spaces are the new office. They’re for the remote worker tired of talking to the cat, offering a spot to buckle down, bounce ideas off real-life humans, or just savor a change of scenery.
• Artistic Hangouts:These spots are alive with the strum of guitars, the sweep of paintbrushes, and the click of a camera. They’re the watering holes for the creatives, the dreamers, the ones who color outside the lines and invite you to watch.
• Techie Havens:Got a gadget itch that needs scratching? These are the places. From the newest gizmo to getting the screen on your phone fixed, they’re a haven for the tech-obsessed and the tech-dependent alike.
• Learn a Thing or Two:They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but these places beg to differ. Pick up a guitar, learn a language, or find out how to cook something that’ll impress more than just your dog.
• From Farm to Your Table:These stores are ditching the middleman and making fresh a whole lifestyle. It’s where the tomatoes are as ripe as the morning, and the eggs are still talking about the cluck they came from.
• Fix It or Rent It:
  In a world keen on tossing things out, these shops are the rebels, making do and mending a way of life. They’re also the place to try before you buy, with rentals that save you from commitment until you’re sure.
• Fun and Games:
  Life’s too short not to play, and these joints are where the fun’s at. Whether you’re swinging a putter at mini-golf, puzzling out an escape room, or rolling dice at a board game café, they’re about the good times.

Tech geeks walking past a robot store on Main Street in 2050!

Final Thoughts

As we hitch up our boots and look down the road, it’s clear that Main Street isn’t about to roll over and play dead just because the big old internet’s howling at the door. No, sir. It’s about reinventing the wheel in a way that keeps the ride smooth and the scenery familiar but fresh.

Our Main Streets are more than just brick-and-mortar; they’re the soul of our towns, the backdrop of our daily doings, and the keepers of our community spirit. So, while you might click a button and get a package dropped at your doorstep, that little brown box can’t replace the handshake of your barber, the warm welcome of the café owner, or the wisdom of the local hardware store guy who has been fixing problems longer than the internet’s been a thing.

We’re talking about a place where every dollar spent feels like an investment in our own backyard, where a trip to the shop might end with a parade of hellos, and where buying a gift comes with a story about who made it and how.

So, let’s tip our hats to the new kids on the block, welcome their experiences, and keep supporting the stalwarts who have been there through thick and thin. We’re all part of this tapestry, and every thread counts. The future of Main Street? It’s looking as bright as Fourth of July fireworks—full of color, full of life, and, gosh darn it, full of us.

So next time you’re thinking of hitting “add to cart,” maybe take a stroll down Main Street instead. You might just find what you’re looking for, along with a good story to boot. And that, my friends, is something no online giant can drop on your doorstep.

In 2015 I wrote a column talking through the issues that needed to be resolved before we would ever see a significant level of deliveries by drones. In that column, I brought up 37 issues that still needed to be resolved.

Not surprising, the evolution of drone technology has solved many of them, including some questions related to durability, range, and collision avoidance. Other issues, such as designated delivery landing spots, drone education, and a “flying drone bill of rights” were generally less technical and more system-related.

That said, we still have a long ways to go before drones are commonplace in our neighborhoods, suburbs, and cities. But the prospects for drone delivery are increasingly positive and closer than ever.

Context

The commercial use of drones is already fairly widespread. Maybe their most visible manifestation is their use in news coverage and how they’ve replaced blimps at major sporting events. That’s just scratching the surface, though. Behind the scenes and above our heads drones are supporting:

• Law enforcement – surveillance and investigations
• Insurance – reviewing property damage
• Construction – conducting safety inspections
• Agriculture – monitoring crops
• Military – reconnaissance

Until now, though, commercial drones have been used as “flying cameras.” The next growth phase for commercial drone usage will be for delivery services. That’s when they’ll really catch our attention – literally – and become an integral part of our lives.

That won’t be too far off. Analysts estimate that the global drone delivery service industry will stand at more than $9.5 billion by 2027.

The Current State of Drone-Based Delivery

How far have we come in six years? The Federal Aviation Administration seems on board with drone deliveries in theory, which is an important next step. Late last year the FAA approved Amazon’s use of drones to deliver packages in remote, rural areas. Alphabet’s (parent company of Google) Wing Aviation and UPS’s Flight Forward service had also received similar approvals.

These companies are certified as “air carriers,” but apparently, regulators are still concerned about drones and packages falling from the sky in more urban areas. It appears that for the time being at least, the FAA wants humans closely monitoring each one … if not flying them remotely.

It’s interesting to note that, according to one consultant in this area, the FAA isn’t taking the approach of telling companies exactly how to operate safely. Instead, they’re evaluating the safety measures these companies propose and describe.

Presumably, these three companies have already addressed several of the safety issues I mentioned six years ago. We can’t know for sure, though, since the manuals and the other information they’ve supplied to the FAA are confidential due to their proprietary technology. Experts suggest these safety solutions include parachutes; self-destruct capabilities; and other controlled, emergency descent failsafe features.

Future Trends in Drone Technology and Applications

Technology will continue to improve in ways that will make drones an even more viable delivery vehicle.

The evolution of single-charge lithium-metal batteries to replace larger lithium-ion batteries will give drones greater range. And enhanced autonomous navigation will enhance their maneuverability to the point they can navigate their way within a residence or a building to deliver more sensitive material.

As with so many aspects of our lives, the pandemic sped up certain technology applications that were already trending. One of those is the use of drones in healthcare, including for delivery of vaccines in remote, third-world areas. This experience has made healthcare providers eager to not only explore prescription delivery options but to provide a system to collect certain, easier-to-obtain human tissue and fluid samples for analysis in conjunction with a telehealth house call.

This calls for drones with fly/drive capabilities that can enter a residence, navigate the rooms, and perhaps even park itself on the dining room table, delivering medications while the patient telecommunicates with the physician and loads up the drone with samples to carry back on the return flight.

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a prototype drone to do exactly that, including outfitting it with cameras and a display screen to facilitate direct communication between the patient and the healthcare professional.

The possibilities are endless. Last year, NATO tested a system in which drones could resupply isolated troops in response to requests from individual soldiers.

Specialized Delivery Sectors

The different players in drone-based delivery will make advances that support their respective business models. Alphabet’s Wing Aviation is likely to reflect Google’s strength in small business and local retail.

The company is exploring drone delivery for retail purchases, food, and otherwise, for example. UPS is expected to continue to extend its legacy of prescription medicine delivery using drones. Amazon will take advantage of its localized warehouses and use their drones for short-distance delivery of smaller packages, taking some of its fleet of vans off the road.

Drone Traffic Control

And speaking of roads, we can expect early drone delivery services to resemble vehicles traveling on a road system 400 or so feet in the air. Think of it in terms of drones on a road grid with major arteries connecting to minor streets, rather than a flock of birds flying wherever they wish. In fact, to facilitate residential deliveries and minimize nuisance, these drone routes may very closely mirror our current street maps.

The big breakthrough, though, will be when the FAA approves autonomous operating drones – not piloted and not supervised. That’s when companies will be able to scale their operations tremendously.

At that point, drones will become flying robots, doing their jobs better than we can, which we should be getting used to by now.

We’ve made a lot of progress on the 37 delivery drone-related challenges I raised six years ago. But according to my calculations, there are at least 14 more to go, even if I’m grading our progress generously.