More than a month after the COVID-19 outbreak was classified as a pandemic on March 11, the coronavirus and subsequent impacts are expected to peak in most of the United States over the next several weeks, with models showing an end to the first wave of the pandemic by early June. The home and building category, like many industries, has suffered work stoppages and disrupted supply chains. However, home improvement stores are still open, and consumers aren’t reporting delays in home appliance or luxury spending due to the pandemic.

Following is a summary of trends we've seen during the past week. You can also read our most recent POV on the marketing impacts of COVID-19, released April 9.

As a reminder, on a weekly basis, Wray Ward will continue to publish timely information, trends and advice related to the coronavirus.* This content can help you examine and manage your marketing activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions or want to discuss specific next steps for your brand, please feel free to contact me.

Generally speaking, last week brought some good news from the oft-cited Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation COVID-19 models:

• U.S. death projections shifted from 250,000 at the end of March to 85,000 on April 3 to 60,000 on April 8.
• The curve is flattening around the country.
• The hospital strain is expected to reduce significantly in late April and early May, followed by an end of the first wave of the pandemic by early June.