The Malls are reopening around the world. In India, the Government has recently released guidelines for the reopening of the economy and malls are allowed to resume commercial activities from June 8th, 2020. With unlocking already in place some of us are planning to venture out for outings and shopping at the nearest malls. But most of us are still nervous about shopping for clothes while entering fashion stores & trying out the clothes & garments after the lockdown ease out. So what are the post pandemic shopping trends that will rule the fashion stores? Let’s dive in deeper.
Before we indulge in much needed retail therapy, we need to know a few things to look out for, to gain more confidence while shopping for clothes at the malls. Do not be amazed to see how coronavirus has transformed the apparel and retail industry from high-touch to low-touch with new safety guidelines and innovations in the retail industry. And it is one of the striking post pandemic shopping trends that we can see upfront.
Can the virus live on clothes, shoes & other fashion accessories?
Information on whether coronavirus can live on any surface is still unclear, but there are a few reassuring things to remember. Health experts believe that the disease is more likely to survive on hard surfaces than on soft surfaces like fabric. Smooth materials, for example, leather, may be safer to wear. The World Health Organization estimates the lifetime of the disease is between a few hours and a few days.
But before we enter the fashion stores and indulge in shopping for clothes after months of lockdown, we must be aware of the guidelines that the retail stores are supposed to follow for a safe and hygienic shopping experience. These guidelines (COVID-19 Hygiene Guideline for Retailers) require all the stores to religiously abide by the rules laid out by the government.
Post Pandemic Shopping Trends
Let us looks at what our favourite stores are doing to keep us safe and make our shopping experience contamination free.
What Fashion Stores are Doing?
As more states around the country continue to open in full or limited capacities, Fashion Stores have laid out a few new ways to make sure customers stay safe while shopping in their stores. Let us look at how:
1. Contact-Less Payments
Contactless payment options like the use of Bank Cards, E-Wallets like Paytm, Online Transfer etc are the preferred mode of transaction while Cash transactions are not accepted.
2. Hygiene & Dedicated Hand Cleaning Stations
Hand Sanitisers, Masks and regular disinfecting of surfaces, clothes, accessories, racks, baskets, trolley handles, shopping bags, etc are mandatory for both the customers as well as the store staff. Many Stores have also dedicated a specific space for Hand Cleaning at the entry and at various touchpoints in the store called “Hand Cleaning Stations”. Many Shops have also ensured the availability of disposable gloves for their customers. Thermal Scanning is a norm at most of the stores.
3. Cautionary Signs
There are cautionary signs everywhere within the stores for customers and the signs may read “touching of clothes is not allowed”, “Wear Masks at all times” etc.
4. Reduced Customer Capacity, One Way Flow System & Queue Management
5. Closed Fitting Rooms
Many stores have closed all the Fitting rooms wherever possible, given the challenges in operating them safely. But many stores have opened only limited trial rooms fitted with sanitisers for the convenience of the shoppers while ensuring regular sanitisation.
6. No Air Conditioning
Many shops have also closed down the ACs to ensure proper ventilation to check the spread of coronavirus. This might be a spoiler in your shopping experience but be ready to face such nuances, at least for time being.
7. No Lifts & Escalators
Bigger retail brands with the in-house provision of lifts & escalators have shut the same off and are encouraging the customers to use the staircase to shuffle between the levels to avoid closed space contact.
8. No Trying of Clothes
The most common question we have in mind is – Can I Try Clothes before making a purchase decision? Many stores have discontinued the practice of ‘trying before buying’ as it enhances the risk of contamination of clothes and calls for more sanitisation of the apparel and the fitting room after each trial which is impractical. Moreover, customers no more want to try previously tried clothes by other shoppers due to corona scare. Rather Stores have devised a new mechanism of a 30-day return or exchange window for clothes as per the new “Returns and Refund Policy”.
9. Decontamination of Clothes after Trial or Return
Stores allowing in-store trial of clothes and accepting returns are sending the apparel which is not purchased straight away to dry clean, sanitising them with a disinfectant like Glen 20 or keeping them separate for 24 hours in quarantine before hitting the sales rack. Killing Covid-19 with ultraviolet light is another option retailers are looking at.
10. Window Shopping
The concept of window shopping is quickly picking up and gaining momentum like never before. With Stores closed, the mannequins stand fully pepped up in trendy clothes from fresh arrivals. And a sign above the door reads “ If you like the clothes in the window, feel free to text or call”, with the store’s number and contact info clearly listed on the window.
Author’s Take: Avoid shopping for clothes at fashion stores at this point in time, at least till the near future. Use old clothes if possible. And if it is absolutely necessary, shop online and keep the packet or parcel separate for three days without touching it. After all saving money for a better financial future is more important than indulging in unnecessary shopping which might expose you to the risk of coronavirus.
Recommended Read: Simple Tips For Safe Grocery Shopping
