Around the world, over four billion people are in some form of lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic. And, while we can expect everything to be over one day and things to start getting back to normal, the nature of this unusual circumstance also means that we can expect a lot of changes. (Image Credit: Pixabay)
According to, wisesmallbusiness.com, retail business owners should make a lot of changes in the way that they do business. Brick and mortar stores may have been forced to close, and businesses have had to focus on online shopping much more heavily compared to in the past. So, what will things look like for retail businesses post global timeout?
Slower Demand for Retail Stores
With online shopping booming and physical retail stores closed for business, it’s having a massive impact on consumer behavior. And, the current trend for more online shopping is expected to rise even post-lockdown, as consumers not only realize the ease and convenience of getting everything that they need online but also find themselves worried to come out in public right away. After what looks set to be at least a few months of lockdown, it’s unlikely that many consumers are going to be rushing out for non-essential items even when they are allowed to once again.
More Online Shopping
There’s no denying that new habits are forming during this time, and they are expected to continue long after the crisis is over. Good thing we have private lenders like A1 Credit that can help amidst this pandemic. Many retail businesses have had to close their physical stores and have seen a huge uptake in online shopping; a trend that is set to continue. For retail businesses, focusing on maintaining a good standard of online customer service and improving the online customer experience is going to be a huge priority both during and after the lockdown.
Relationships with Customers
Both during and after the lockdown period, it’s never been more important for retail businesses to nurture their relationships with customers and engage with them in such a way that shows they care about their customers’ happiness and wellbeing. Many clothing businesses, for example, have started selling reusable and customizable face masks for emergency service staff and customers who feel that they need to wear one for their safety and the safety of others when stepping outside. Companies are using email and social media to come up with new and innovative ways to improve their relationships with customers and show that they care about them during the current crisis.
Safety First
Safety is going to be a top priority when reopening a retail business after the lockdown. Even once the lockdown is over, social distancing measures are expected to continue, and retail businesses will need to adapt to this quickly once they reopen. Setting down ground rules such as only allowing a certain number of shoppers in the store at one time, providing hand sanitizing gel at the entry and exit to the store, and providing disinfectant wipes for customers to use on their baskets will help customers feel safer and more secure when shopping with your brand post-lockdown.
After months of staying inside, anxiety is going to be high among consumers when the time comes to reopen your retail store. And while customers are going to be happy to return to retail therapy, it’s important to be ready for the big changes that the lockdown period is going to have in terms of shopper behavior.
