The outgoing year 2020 was of course one marked by humanitarian catastrophe due to the coronavirus pandemic, and its associated economic costs meant the challenge for policymakers became one of damage control as almost no-one could completely avert its disastrous effects. 

New York City has seen almost one in seven nationally recognized chain-store branches close their doors in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the country and sent consumers scurrying for cover, according to a latest industry report.