Over the weekend, we wrote why if one uses Wuhan as a template for what "reopening" could look like, anyone still expecting a V-shaped recovery, or even U-shaped one, could be in for a major shock: the reason - it will take months if not years for consumer fears to subside and for behavior to return to normal.
This could prove catastrophic for America's already teetering shopping malls and "bricks and mortar" retailers. According to a new study by retail analytics company First Insights conducted on April 20, only one-third of American adults surveyed said that they will feel safe shopping in a mall after stores reopen. More respondents said they’ll feel safe shopping in grocery, drug and big-box stores like Target and Walmart, outlets which mostly remained open during the outbreak to sell essential goods.
In an act of painful irony, before the Coronavirus pandemic hit, malls - which were already suffering from historic traffic losses, went all in in their attempts to lure shoppers people back and added such "social" elements as amusement parks, movie theaters and upgraded food courts - just the types of crowded places that have became off-limits when social distancing began.
As retailers reopen after mandatory stay-at-home periods, Greg Petro, chief executive officer of First Insight, said in a statement that “malls in particular need to be thinking of ways to inspire a sense of safety for consumers, and it will need to go beyond offering gloves and masks at the door.”
And, as Bloomberg notes, China may show the way again:
As the nation reopened businesses following its quarantines, it’s become standard to check the temperatures of patrons entering shopping destinations. Some stores in China are being cleaned multiple times during the day. And fitting rooms and products that have been tried on are being disinfected after each use -- no more just picking up a sweater and throwing it back on the rack if it’s not the right fit.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
13 comments:
That is the intent, thanks for helping out Joe
Pure BS. malls will be crowded
It's a lot easier to social distance in the mall because not that many people shop there anymore. The only time someone would be closer to you than 6 feet might be on Black Friday or Christmas shopping.
The grocery stores, Walmart and Target are where people should be nervous about shopping if they are worried about getting the virus.
I don't "Social Distance". If your scared STAY AWAY FROM ME!
7:06
I only wish that more people were afraid of grocery stores, Walmart and Target so TP and food wouldn't be so hard to come by.
Once again to quote Roosevelt, “we have nothing to fear, but fear itself”.
Really? It will take months or YEARS for consumer fears to subside and shopping behavior to return to normal? According to whom? Some "expert"? I have had enough of know-nothing experts!
Here's an idea: Open up the malls and see what happens. What is the difference between shopping in a mall and shopping at Walmart? Answer: There is no difference.
We are being played. The object here is 1) to protect you from a virus that may or may not be as dangerous as we hear, and 2) to sink the economy until after election day!
What is a mall?
why go to the mall when you have gotten everything you needed on line
Not the teenagers. They are on Reddit and Facebook discussing ways to steal stuff from stores and about coughing and spitting on the security guards to get away.
No worry about social distancing at the Salisbury Mall (The Centre). There is never enough customers in there to get within 6 feet of you. Boscov's maybe.
The homeless beggars up on 13 are plotting to spit on you and your car if you don't give them money.
It is there "Spread the Virus" plan!
IF they re-open !! IF
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