The COVID 19 pandemic has taken its toll on all businesses that even the trusted supermarket in Cannon Hill got severely affected. Months after the worldwide implementation of home quarantine protocols, people have slowly been resuming to normal programming. Slowly but surely, people are already going out again.
More businesses have started to re-open. Restaurants are already accepting dine-in guests. Hotels and resorts are accepting leisure visitors. Public parks and beaches have also resumed operations (but with social distancing practices still highly encouraged). Shopping malls, of course, are not to be left out. They have started to re-open as well.
People’s livelihood (and lives in general) are slowly being restored. Thankfully, the business’ road to recovery is underway. However, the pandemic has somehow affected the consumer’s overall mindset on purchasing.
Since the global pandemic gave more importance to online shopping, will consumers shop the way they used to? Will everyone choose the convenience of online shopping over physically going to malls or shopping centers even when the pandemic is over? More importantly, will the consumer’s buying behavior directly dictate the recovery pace of the retail industry?
These are just some of the questions many ask. As the global pandemic required everyone to be home and avoid going to public places, shopping center and mall operations have received a massive blow. Now that quarantine rules and protocols have eased out a bit, will consumers still see the shopping mall as an essential sanctuary for all their essential and non-essential needs? Or will online shopping be the King of shopping and purchasing during this day and age?
The Rise Of Online Shopping
Over the years, online shopping has gotten more and more common. Such a business platform has been viewed as thriving and fast emerging. People belonging to the younger demographic are to further support and reinforce the importance of online shopping. The trend may even continue even when everything is back to how it used to.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone resorted to online shopping. Even the trusted supermarket in Cannon Hill or a reputable pharmacy in Cannon Hill has adapted to the changes. All businesses developed strong online platforms in order to survive. Regardless of age bracket or demographic, everyone was forced to go online shopping as a means of survival.
The technically-challenged and inadequate members of the society had to catch up. They used their mobile devices and laptops more than. Their sustenance and survival depended on such devices. With a little getting used to, (slowly) everyone realized the beauty of online shopping. It has kept them safe and supported during the most crucial quarantine times.
Since convenience is the prevalent word, many people want to continue online shopping. Why not? All purchases are ordered by simply hitting the SEND button. Packages somehow arrive on time and in good condition. No need to drive to the nearest mall for essential and non-essential goods. There’s not much need to spend on petrol.
Shopping Centers Are Still Relevant
People’s mindsets will not change overnight. For months, many have already established some comforting and convenient routines at home. As this has been the case for several months, they have already gotten used to the new routine. This may be the case for a couple more months even when the world is slowly opening up again.
Good news though, there are still a good number of people eager to go out. Some people are excited to go back to doing their routines before the pandemic happens. This includes making a trip to shopping centers and malls. The commercial lease in Brisbane will still remain active and valuable. The value of shopping centers still remains central to every community. After all, it is still a treasure trove of all finds, may it be essential or not.
Even as the most essential goods are available online, there are still those who prefer to see the products before purchasing. There are those who prefer to shop the usual way than sitting behind a computer while letting their eyes and fingers do the shopping.
To cater to those who wish to go back to their usual routine, mall safety protocols are beefed up. Shopping centers are only allowed to operate under strict compliance with health and safety protocols. Different measures are in place to keep shoppers and visitors safe. Social distancing is still the norm for many more months to come.
People And Their Desired Items To Purchase
Whether online or in shopping centers/malls, consumers wILL purchase. This is something that will never be taken out of the equation (with or without the pandemic). Interestingly enough, consumers are still bent on buying clothes as it is a prime commodity. The difference is the kind of apparel they choose to purchase during and perhaps after the pandemic.
As per studies, consumers are more likely to purchase more athletic wear and other casual clothing. The dressier options may have to wait a little longer as social gatherings aren’t encouraged yet. Also, many businesses are operating on a Work From Home basis.
The Future Of Retail Post-COVID-19 Era
The future of retail remains optimistic. The commercial lease in Brisbane and other forms of retail investments will rise from the ashes. However, it will be slower than expected. Every step has to be well-calculated. There will still be some form of limitations in movement and interaction for several months or years down the road.
However, pandemic paved the way for more purchasing options. Consumers can either buy online or head out to shopping centers while being safe. Regardless, profitability is on the rise once again. The market is again moving after being on a stand-still. The trusted supermarket in Cannon Hill or the corner pharmacy in Cannon Hill will soon see their regulars frequenting them, finally.
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