Back in 2020, online shopping wasn’t just a convenience—it became a coping mechanism. Retail therapy, once a Saturday mall tradition, moved to phones and laptops. But while the world shopped from the couch, something bigger happened behind the scenes: the entire infrastructure of retail changed—and Minnesota businesses felt it firsthand.
Now in 2026, we’re living with the long-term effects: more packages, fewer storefronts, and an urgent need for flexible commercial space, updated logistics, and smarter financing. This isn’t just a trend. It’s the new normal. And local decision-makers—from Hutchinson to Ramsey to small-town city halls—are figuring out how to stay ahead.
Let’s break down the post-COVID ripple effect and what it means for Minnesota’s economy today.
Many retailers in Minnesota moved to hybrid models—part showroom, part fulfillment center. Brick-and-mortar isn’t dead, but it’s definitely changed. Think less 10,000 square feet of display racks, more smaller spaces with curated experiences.
Repurposing large legacy spaces into multi-tenant, modular-use facilities is now a growth area. Security Bank & Trust Co. has seen increased demand for customized lending for these kinds of adaptive reuse projects.
Retailers need to be closer to their customers—yes, even in rural areas. That’s led to a boom in warehouse and distribution development outside the Twin Cities metro, reshaping commercial real estate in Greater Minnesota. From Winsted to Glencoe, small towns are becoming micro-logistics hubs.
Infrastructure investments are critical—roads, zoning, broadband. Cities partnering with experienced financial institutions like Security Bank & Trust Co. are better positioned to secure funding and maintain fiscal clarity throughout the lifecycle of financing for city and municipal projects.
It wasn’t just retailers that went online. Minnesota’s nonprofits and community organizations moved quickly to digital donation platforms, virtual events, and e-commerce fundraising tools.
Your back-office operations, donor services, and e-commerce tools need financial systems that are secure, scalable, and supported by people who understand your mission. That’s where a strong nonprofit banking relationship makes all the difference—one that understands your mission and delivers follow-through, not just promises.
For many owner-operators in Minnesota, the last few years have been a rollercoaster. Some leaned into e-commerce and thrived. Others, seeing increased complexity, began looking at succession planning, acquisition, or consolidation.
Whether you're expanding, buying out a competitor, or preparing to sell, structured financing with fast, local decision-making is essential. Here's how to finance a business acquisition in Minnesota the right way. Security Bank & Trust Co. specializes in tailored lending solutions built around real business goals—not just credit scores.
Every bank talks about “relationships.” But in 2026, what Minnesota businesses need more than friendly faces are people who show up, think creatively, and make decisions that stick.
At Security Bank & Trust Co., we work with:
And we do it with:
No red tape. No big-bank bureaucracy. Just smart, dependable execution from folks who live and work right here in Minnesota.
Here are a few questions Minnesota leaders and owners should be asking right now:
If any of those hit home, it’s probably time we talk.
From Waconia to Ramsey, and Hutchinson to Cambridge, we’re not just watching the market change—we’re helping shape what comes next. Whether you’re financing a warehouse conversion, buying your competitor’s business, or supporting city infrastructure projects, we’re here for more than just loans.
We’re here for execution.
If you're ready to grow—with a bank that moves when you move—we're ready to talk.
It definitely can be—especially when combined with e-commerce. Hybrid models and flexible fulfillment operations are reshaping what “retail” means. It’s not about big malls anymore—it’s about smart, adaptable real estate.
Demand has shifted from traditional storefronts to logistics hubs, shared spaces, and multi-use developments. Cities and investors are adapting by repurposing old buildings and planning with digital commerce in mind.
Yes. We understand the technology, and we support investments in platforms, tools, and services that help you serve your audience better.
We’re based here. We know the local economy. And we make decisions fast—with real structure and real people behind them. No 800-numbers or endless loops. Just execution.
The online shopping boom may have started as “retail therapy,” but in Minnesota, it's become a lasting transformation. For local businesses, city leaders, and nonprofits, the question isn't if you’ll adapt—but how.
And with Security Bank & Trust Co., you're not facing those changes alone. You’ve got a partner that’s not just talking relationships—we’re delivering results. It's why we've been ranked the Best Business Bank in Minnesota and one of the Best Banks in Minnesota.
Want to talk about your next move? Reach out. Let’s build what’s next, together.