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Top 100 Business Trends for 2021

From Racist Business Reporting Tools to Virtual Shopping Malls

— January 24, 2021 — Business
Ranging from racist business reporting tools to virtual shopping malls, this list of 2021 business trends underscores how important cultural moments have shaped consumer expectations, prompting businesses to respond in kind.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, brands launched virtual shopping centers to recreate the traditional shopping experience online. These range from virtual street fronts to large-scale digital shopping centers and allow owners to showcase their products to a niche, virtual community.

Moreover, the tragic death of George Floyd and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement has prompted brands to re-evaluate their business models to combat systematic racism. These initiatives include evaluating the number of products on their shelf owned by Black business owners, funding budding Black-owned startups, and removing racist language in their coding.

For more business trends in the year ahead, check out Trend Hunter’s 2021 Trend Report.
7.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
94
Equity-Promoting Business Developments
Equity-Promoting Business Developments
KFC is Looking to Improve Its Inclusion Strategy
<
93
Inclusive Venture Capital Projects
Inclusive Venture Capital Projects
BLCK VC Created an Initiative Named the Black Venture Institute
<
92
Black-Owned Business Pledges
Black-Owned Business Pledges
Yelp is the Latest to Join the 15% Pledge
<
91
Sustainability-Focused Financing Solutions
Sustainability-Focused Financing Solutions
BBVA Secures More Than €40 Billion for Its Eco Pledge
<
90
Election Day QSR Closures
Election Day QSR Closures
White Castle is Making It Easier for Its Employees to Get Out and Vote
<
89
Bank-Backed Financial Initiatives
Bank-Backed Financial Initiatives
Wells Fargo is Supporting Customers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
<
88
Pandemic-Prompted Financial Initiatives
Pandemic-Prompted Financial Initiatives
Mastercard Helps Customers Find Local Stores Amid COVID-19
<
87
Streaming-Focused Cooperate Reorganizations
Streaming-Focused Cooperate Reorganizations
Disney Announced a New Strategic Reorganization
<
86
POC-Specific Beauty Brands
POC-Specific Beauty Brands
Makeup for Melanin Girls Answers a Gap in the Beauty Industry
<
85
Employer Health Testing Programs
Employer Health Testing Programs
Kroger Health COVIDCare Plus Supports Organization Wellness
<
84
Business-Supporting Credits
Business-Supporting Credits
Amex is Giving Cardholders Money Back for Spending at Small Businesses
<
83
Novel Transportation Services
Novel Transportation Services
Uber is Launching a New Taxi Service in Tokyo Named Uber Taxi
<
82
COVID Credit-Card Rate Cuts
COVID Credit-Card Rate Cuts
The CIBC Pace It Offers a Temporary Lower Annual Rate for Cardholders
<
81
Racist Business Reporting Tools
Racist Business Reporting Tools
A Yelp Update Alerts the Public If a Business is Accused of Racism
<
80
Meal Delivery Vouchers
Meal Delivery Vouchers
Uber Eats’ New Vouchers Let Employers Purchase Meals for Staff & Attendees
<
79
Mobile Retail Delivery Partnerships
Mobile Retail Delivery Partnerships
CVS Partnered with DoorDash on a Same-Day Delivery Service
<
78
Small Business Owner Conferences
Small Business Owner Conferences
Venture Café Debuts New Virtual Conference for Business Owners
<
77
Airline Rapid Testing Services
Airline Rapid Testing Services
Lufthansa is Offering Rapid COVID-19 Testing to Guests in October
<
76
Virtual QSR Quality Checks
Virtual QSR Quality Checks
Church's Chicken Updated Its Restaurant Reviews for COVID-19
<
75
Emerging Maker Awards
Emerging Maker Awards
The Up and Comers Small Makers Awards Supports Local Businesses
<
74
Inclusive Business Search Tools
Inclusive Business Search Tools
Yelp Added a Search Tool Highlighting Black-Owned Establishments
<
73
PWYC Kid's Meals
PWYC Kid's Meals
Hugo's Restaurants is Alleviating Stress from Family Life Amid COVID-19
<
72
Business Phone Line Apps
Business Phone Line Apps
The 'Reach Phone' App Helps Users Maintain Personal and Work Lines
<
71
eCommerce Analytic Platforms
eCommerce Analytic Platforms
The 'Sellerium' Platform Helps Amazon Sellers Track Trends
<
70
Pandemic Relief Banking Tools
Pandemic Relief Banking Tools
Starling Bank Debuted a New Toolkit and a US Dollar Account
<
69
Small Business Employer Insurance
Small Business Employer Insurance
Collective Health Offers Comprehensive Benefit Plans
<
68
Online Tutoring Resources
Online Tutoring Resources
The Tutor Doctor Offers E-Learning Capabilities Amid COVID-19
<
67
Remote Work-Specific Media Launches
Remote Work-Specific Media Launches
wrkfrce is Dedicated to the Future of Work Culture
<
66
Business Contact Tracing Platforms
Business Contact Tracing Platforms
'GuestLog' Automates the Process of Collecting Guest Info
<
65
Dual-Sided Retail Washing Stations
Dual-Sided Retail Washing Stations
This Double-Sided Hand Washing Station is Convenient
<
64
AI Business Development Bots
AI Business Development Bots
The 'Maya' AI Business Bot Saves Time on Operations and R&D
<
63
Friendly Human Capital Platforms
Friendly Human Capital Platforms
'Clerksy' Helps Things Run Smoothly and Keep Employees Happy
<
62
Cow-Optimized Wearable Collars
Cow-Optimized Wearable Collars
The Cowlar Seeks to Help Farmers Streamline Their Dairy Business
<
61
One-On-One Virtual Tutors
One-On-One Virtual Tutors
Success Tutoring Adapted to COVID-19 With New Online Sessions
<
60
Citizen Care Pods
Citizen Care Pods
This Care Pod Combines High-Tech and a Modular Design to Ensure Safety
<
59
AI-Powered Interview Platforms
AI-Powered Interview Platforms
'Hire.Video' Acts as a Virtual HR Manager to Recruit with Ease
<
58
3D-Printed Lunar Colonies
3D-Printed Lunar Colonies
'Project Olympus' is Focused on Getting a Habitat Set Up on the Moon
<
57
UV-C Sanitation Water Dispensers
UV-C Sanitation Water Dispensers
This New Quench Water and Ice Dispenser is Health-Focused
<
56
Women's Start-Up Schools
Women's Start-Up Schools
Selfmade's Online School Supports Entrepreneurial Women
<
55
Commission-Free Online Commerce
Commission-Free Online Commerce
Google Will Eliminate Commission on Its Buy on Google Platform
<
54
Female-Led Financial Literacy Platforms
Female-Led Financial Literacy Platforms
Vestpod Empowers Women Through Podcasts and Workshops
<
53
Temperature-Tracking Entryway Systems
Temperature-Tracking Entryway Systems
The ATN Thermal Entry Wizard Has a Touch-Free Design
<
52
Carbon Footprint-Tracking Business Platforms
Carbon Footprint-Tracking Business Platforms
The 'Carbon Undone' Platform is Eco-Focused
<
51
Latin Vegan Butcher Shops
Latin Vegan Butcher Shops
Tranquilita la Vaca Opened Doors in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
<
50
Exclusive Concert Speakers
Exclusive Concert Speakers
Oda's Bluetooth Speaker Set Shares Live Seasonal Programming
<
49
Charitable Used Clothing Partnerships
Charitable Used Clothing Partnerships
Oxfam and Depop Partner Up for #SecondhandSeptember
<
48
Robotically Enhanced Packaging Solutions
Robotically Enhanced Packaging Solutions
The IRB 390 FlexPacker™ is Expected to Launch Late 2020
<
47
Five-Course Drive-Thru Restaurants
Five-Course Drive-Thru Restaurants
Atelier Restaurant Embraces the Drive-Thru Business Model
<
46
Remote Team VR Interfaces
Remote Team VR Interfaces
Co-Creation within Gravity Sketch LandingPad Allows for Collective Work
<
45
Lawyer Drafted Contract Templates
Lawyer Drafted Contract Templates
AWE Contracts Offers Affordable Legal Contract Templates
<
44
Branded Creativity Quotient Tests
Branded Creativity Quotient Tests
Adobe's CQ Quiz Shows How Creativity Molds Leadership Styles
<
43
Farmer-Supporting E-Commerce Technologies
Farmer-Supporting E-Commerce Technologies
Local Line Connects Consumers with Local Farmers
<
42
Combined Customer Loyalty Cards
Combined Customer Loyalty Cards
John Lewis and Waitrose Unveiled a Joint Loyalty Scheme
<
41
Commercial Micro-Fulfillment Solutions
Commercial Micro-Fulfillment Solutions
Dematic Helps Retailers in Addressing Consumer Demand
<
40
Dedicated Fulfillment Hubs
Dedicated Fulfillment Hubs
Bed, Bath & Beyond Introduces Regional Fulfillment Centers
<
39
QSR AI Analytic Tools
QSR AI Analytic Tools
KFC Canada is Using AI Analytic Tools to Track Data Across Locations
<
38
Artistic Travelling Pop-Ups
Artistic Travelling Pop-Ups
Calgary's Pop-Up Series Supports Local Restaurants and Artists
<
37
Coworking Space Hybrids
Coworking Space Hybrids
Palette Cafe in Schenectady is a Hybrid Between a Coworking Space & a Cafe
<
36
Open-Concept Beauty Flagships
Open-Concept Beauty Flagships
Avon's Studio 1886 is the Company's First Flagship Experience
<
35
Delivery-Only Restaurant Chain Ventures
Delivery-Only Restaurant Chain Ventures
Red Lobster is Opening Up a Ghost Kitchen in Chicago
<
34
Travel-Friendly Superfood Capsules
Travel-Friendly Superfood Capsules
STAMBA TRAVEL's Product is Designed to Offer Nutrition Support
<
33
Consumer-Tracking Retailer Apps
Consumer-Tracking Retailer Apps
Smart Plant Home Helps Retailers Track Plant Purchasing Habits
<
32
Nutrition-Focused Mobile Platforms
Nutrition-Focused Mobile Platforms
Nestlé is Collaborating with the With/n Healthy Eating Platform
<
31
Wedding Registry Platforms
Wedding Registry Platforms
The Knot Launched a New Wedding Registry Store with Accompanying App
<
30
Workplace Temperature Scanners
Workplace Temperature Scanners
The VISKY Touchless Body Thermometer Has Facial Recognition
<
29
Long-Term Remote Work Platforms
Long-Term Remote Work Platforms
The 'Growmotely' Platform is for Professionals and Businesses
<
28
New Normal Retail Software
New Normal Retail Software
SPLICE Software Created a Service for Retailers to Adjust Operations
<
27
QR Code Menu Generators
QR Code Menu Generators
The 'Menuffy' Platform Helps Restaurants Digitize Their Menus
<
26
Virtual Restaurant Expansions
Virtual Restaurant Expansions
Chipotle Announced That It Would Open Its First Digital Kitchen
<
25
DTC Grass-Fed Meats
DTC Grass-Fed Meats
Grazing Days Farms Sell Directly from Its Farm to Customers
<
24
Millennial Franchising Opportunities
Millennial Franchising Opportunities
Del Taco Wants Millennials to Enter Its Franchise System
<
23
Cryptocurrency-Exclusive Biohacking Cafes
Cryptocurrency-Exclusive Biohacking Cafes
Parallel Polis Offers a Variety of Biohacking Products
<
22
Branded Ocean Plastic Initiatives
Branded Ocean Plastic Initiatives
H&M and Danone-Aqua Team Up to End Plastic Pollution
<
21
Energy-Optimized Commercial Appliances
Energy-Optimized Commercial Appliances
The RATIONAL iCombi Pro Appliances are Efficient
<
20
Air-Powered Buffet Protectors
Air-Powered Buffet Protectors
The FoodSignPros 'AirShield' Keeps Foods Free from Germs
<
19
High-End Burger Drive-Thrus
High-End Burger Drive-Thrus
Canlis Bets on Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and Delivery During COVID-19
<
18
Drive-In Tasting Menus
Drive-In Tasting Menus
Fine Dining Restaurant Bulrush Adapts to the Climate of COVID-19
<
17
Branded Business-Supporting Shopping Apps
Branded Business-Supporting Shopping Apps
Cadillac Fairview Debuted the LiVE by CF Shopping App
<
16
Fresh Meat Vending Machines
Fresh Meat Vending Machines
FreshStore is a Vending Machine That Can Be Accessed After Store Hours
<
15
WOC-Specific Hair Solutions
WOC-Specific Hair Solutions
Kinkistry is a Natural Haircare Business, Designed for Women of Color
<
14
Digital Sign Solutions
Digital Sign Solutions
BrighSign Boasts Retail Tech Solutions for Maintaining COVID-19 Spread
<
13
French Home Improvement E-Retailers
French Home Improvement E-Retailers
ManoMano is a French Startup Aiming to Make DIY Projects Easy
<
12
Fully Automated Canadian Restaurants
Fully Automated Canadian Restaurants
Box'd By Paramount is Set to Open This Summer in Toronto
<
11
Co-Working Brewery Spaces
Co-Working Brewery Spaces
Optimism Brewing Introduces Some New Features During COVID-19
<
10
Millennial-Targeted Business Tools
Millennial-Targeted Business Tools
Tradeswell is Helping Millennial Make a Higher Profit
<
9
Accessible 360-Degree Workspaces
Accessible 360-Degree Workspaces
Igloo Vision's Immersive Workspaces Create Engaging Team Meetings
<
8
Smart Shopping Lockers
Smart Shopping Lockers
Luxer One's Smart Retail Lockers Support No-Contact Experiences
<
7
Protective Equipment Vending Machines
Protective Equipment Vending Machines
The RapidPPE2go Vending Machine Will Sell PPE
<
6
Boutique Garden Center Retailers
Boutique Garden Center Retailers
STUMP's Cleveland Location is Its Fourth Boutique Space
<
5
Touch-Free Bathroom Solutions
Touch-Free Bathroom Solutions
Gaberit Boasts Infra-Red and Touchless Design for the Bathroom
<
4
Post-COVID Night Clubs
Post-COVID Night Clubs
44KW in Shanghai Introduces Safety Measures After Reopening
<
3
New Normal Restaurant Vehicles
New Normal Restaurant Vehicles
The Post Corona Eat-Out Business Platform is Conceptual
<
2
Virtual Shopping Malls
Virtual Shopping Malls
New Zealand Company, EPIC, Recently Launched a Virtual Mall
<
1
Elevated Dining Experiences
Elevated Dining Experiences
Pinch Delivers a New Food and Beverage Experience with Parcel
<