Part of the weight loss market was hit hard in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing recession forced the closure of health clubs and many retail weight loss centers.

The $15 billion U.S. collection agencies industry, like many other services, was affected by the pandemic — but in a good way.

The competitive $15 billion U.S. chiropractic services industry, populated by nearly 40,000 offices, held up well during the COVID-19 pandemic, being classified as an essential service.

The $8+ billion U.S. nail salons industry, like many other personal services, took a hit last year. The Covid-19 pandemic shuttered many of the nation’s nail salons and revenues plunged.

The “personal growth” or self-improvement market, like many others, took a hit in 2020 due to the pandemic and recession. However, some market segments prospered as Americans read more books, listened to audiobooks and bought tons of exercise equipment/weight loss services.

As obesity rates climb and Americans age, more people are developing sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and other sleep disorders. Plus, stress in 2020 related to the presidential election, Covid-19 pandemic and recession are all contributing to more sleepless nights.

Health coaching has emerged as a $7 billion service market, with a strong growth outlook. There are now an estimated 128,000 health coaches and health educators that advise and motivate clients to change bad lifestyle habits and to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes.

There are millions of households in America with low incomes and poor credit that find dealing with traditional banks to be difficult. They have chosen instead to patronize “alternative financial” services that provide extended hours and less restrictive credit policies—local check cashing and money transfer outlets, pawn shops, rent-to-own stores, and payday loan services.