Uber recently released its fifth annual Lost & Found Index for Canada that unveils the most commonly forgotten items, the most "uniquely" forgotten items, and the most "forgetful" cities. According to the brand smartphones, headphones, wallets, and keys are topping the list of most commonly forgotten items. Some unique lost items include a framed diploma, an OVO Chain, a retainer with a tooth attached to it, and a microwave – to name a few. The cities who are the most forgetful include Gatineau, Halifax, and Winnipeg, respectively.
Since this last year of travel was different than most, Uber acknowledged some timely trends that mark the moment. Many consumers forgot PPE including hand sanitizer and face shields. In addition, sports swag was often forgotten including jerseys and caps from some prominent teams. Lastly, Canadians leveraged Uber to take essential trips to the grocery store over the past year and may have missed an item or two in a backseat or trunk. Popular items left behind included milk, mayonnaise, canned tomatoes, eggs, fish, and meat.
"Throughout the pandemic, Uber has focused on helping Canadians move what matters—from frontline workers getting to and from shifts, to providing a way to pick up groceries or other much-needed items. We’re happy to do our small part to make travel easier and more convenient, like supporting the return of those important items left behind." - Matthew Price, General Manager, Uber Canada
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The Uber Lost & Found Index Shows the Most Commonly Forgotten Items
Trend Themes
1. Rideshare Lost & Found Items - The increase in lost items presents opportunities for innovative solutions that can minimize losses and optimize the customer experience.
2. Consumer Forgetfulness Insights - Analyzing consumer forgetfulness can present insights that businesses can use to improve product design and customer support.
3. Pandemic-influenced Trends - The emergence of pandemic-related lost items highlights a need for businesses to adapt to changing consumer needs and behavior.
Industry Implications
1. Ridesharing - Ridesharing companies can use the Lost & Found Index to develop more effective processes and tools for managing lost items.
2. Consumer Goods - Consumer goods companies can leverage consumer forgetfulness insights to develop products that minimize potential losses or make it easier for customers to track their belongings.
3. Retail and Grocery - Retail and grocery businesses can use pandemic-influenced lost items insights to adapt their inventory and service offerings to better meet evolving customer demands.