{"id":2687,"date":"2020-04-28T16:48:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-28T15:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/altavia-group.com\/?post_type=news&p=2687"},"modified":"2026-03-04T10:30:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T09:30:57","slug":"how-to-rethink-the-in-store-experience-after-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/altavia-group.com\/cs\/news\/how-to-rethink-the-in-store-experience-after-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"How to rethink the in store experience after the pandemic?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Safety first <\/h2>\n
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With the exception of China, where most of the country seems to plan to be \u201clet out\u201d of isolation by the end of April, all the other contaminated countries have taken measures to contain the population and ensure citizen safety, which is reinforced by authorized businesses.
\nOn a French government website, one can even find \u201cpractical sheets\u201d indicating the measures to be implemented, trade by trade.<\/p>\n

Among the common denominators and apart from the precautions applicable to all, we can point out: the complex issues of wearing masks and gloves, of establishing safety distances marked on the ground, and reducing the number of people in the stores. Moreover, making available hydroalcoholic gel, disinfecting equipment (for shopping carts, checkout mats, and so on), installing plexiglass windows at the checkouts, and rearranging certain \u201cnon covid-compatible\u201d sections \u2013 bulk, fruit and vegetables, pre prepared food and more.<\/p>\n

How open businesses are managed is what can be imagined for businesses that will reopen, if their cash flow allows it. How can we imagine, in a world where we have to \u201clearn to live with the virus\u201d, maintaining an acceptable level of security in clothing shops (fitting rooms, etc.), beauty and hair salons, not to mention the various places of entertainment and socializing (cinemas, restaurants, theatres, etc.)?
\nOnce the wave of astonishment is over, it\u2019s time to prepare for what comes after; shopkeepers striving to be inventive in arranging their spaces and welcoming new ways to visit and shop. For example, a clothing store \u201cseals off \u201d one fitting room out of two, however as a result, they move upmarket by positioning themselves more like a showroom.<\/p>\n

Another example is the sport world, where many techno-gaming players are thinking about initiatives which enable a real audience to virtually visit a stadium to watch a real time match.
\nWhile these initiatives remain in unchartered waters, we can note that the pandemic has led to an acceleration in brand transformation, in which the digital relay is often the first vehicle for survival.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n Digital or die <\/h2>\n
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The major players in the GSA have long since begun their omnichannel shift: COVID is called \u201cthe hour of truth\u201d. Revealing that while some players are keeping up at each point on the supply chain, others only keep up under certain conditions.<\/p>\n

Without even mentioning the experience offered to the consumer via digitalization, let\u2019s just talk about \u201cshopping in an alternative way\u201d. Such as, the drive and click & collect solutions, where volumes have grown exponentially as a result of the pandemic. Companies have had to adapt: with improved stock management, an efficient supply chain, optimized job descriptions, etc. In fact, many former salespeople have been mobilized for order preparation.<\/p>\n

In hindsight, we are tempted to say that this movement has \u201cprecipitated\u201d the urgency to think about unified trade, regardless of the size of the company. Different applications have emerged that allow small non-digital merchants to sell online as well.<\/p>\n

The \u201d authorized \u201d businesses are also able to accommodate service providers who operate only on the markets.<\/p>\n

From this \u201cfirst wave\u201d, we note, particularly in France, a surge of solidarity: employee \u201cborrowing\u201d, mutualisation of delivery strategies, service redirection and so on. It remains to be seen what changes will survive the crisis and then what lessons can be learned.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n Restore the bond: how and why? <\/h2>\n
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In the end, lockdown precautions have forced a majority of the population to favor local as the primary factor in their shopping choice.<\/p>\n

Conventional loyalty strategies no longer work in periods of confinement.
\nThe delivery solution is also often preferred. A question will arise: how to create the preference that will allow opening, or rather reopening, one\u2019s trade area, so that the most remote customers will return?
\nSome companies, particularly in the DIY and automotive sectors, have favored the implementation of \u201cquick services\u201d that allow customers to obtain a quick response or a rapid repair. This additional service, more fluid than in normal times, can make the difference.
\nThe various measures taken to adapt to the customer\u2019s needs are also popular; security, reserved opening hours, etc.<\/p>\n

In addition, companies make massive use of content production and distribution to maintain the client bond and compete in terms of innovative brand content, to stay on the top of their game.
\nWill these strategies come at a cost? Or will the era be resolutely one of \u201cconvenience\u201d in the \u201cnext world\u201d?
\nWe can safely assume that, at least in France, the appeal of the physical store, the contact with the salesperson, the desire to be able to discuss with a \u201creal human\u201d still makes the difference, versus the all-digital. It will be necessary for these brands to imagine how to reconcile user-friendliness and security in the context of a gradual recovery.<\/p>\n

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Laure Barillon, Altavia Nativ, et Thierry Strickler, Altavia Watch<\/em><\/p>\n

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https:\/\/fashionunited.fr\/actualite\/retail\/commerces-non-essentiels-le-casse-tete-de-la-reouverture-le-11-mai\/2020042123675<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Can be Learned From China as we Prepare to Open Up the Retail Sector in Canada?<\/a><\/blockquote>