Did you know COVID-19 isn't a potential risk to our health only, but it's also weakening the economy worldwide? Many retail shops and brick-and-mortar stores have closed down while those that are open have no customers to serve, even after offering the best deals.
The worst part is every industry is suffering from the crisis as now there is less foot traffic. The need for shopping reduced while bringing the economy to a standstill. But what does this mean to me as a consumer?
For the past few weeks, I felt down and wanted a way out, but to my dismay, nothing is open. The neighborhood was in a gloomy state, and the recent imposition by the government meant staying indoors unless you have got fire on your pants.
So, I had to find a way to use my time to heal and empower myself and enjoy a shopping spree while staying at home. Although the revenue has drastically declined for businesses, many have shifted to online shops, allowing consumers to make online purchases.
According to a research study, 13% of the online shoppers are newbies, of which 42% are above the age of 65. This shows my grandma will be as avid as me when it comes to online shopping during the lockdown.
Finding the Best Deals Online
With the positive trends in specific sectors, many brands and retailers are offering discounts and freebies. Several prestigious brands divert their marketing strategies towards promotions to clear the unsold inventory and reclaim consumer traffic.
Till the brick-and-mortar stores stay closed, e-commerce could report twice as many sales as the pre-COVID-19 levels depending on the product category and marketing plans. Sephora showed a 30% increase in online sales, likewise Amazon, as people adjust to the new normal.
Online Shopping Has Become The New Norm
If you are looking for best deals today, then this one particular site Yo! FreeSamples has the widest selection of discounts from major retail stores including Amazon and Walmart. You can find anything, be it deals for shoes, clothing, makeup, furniture, tech gadgets, or jewelry, in this list. You can also opt for promo codes and get your favorite product using the best deals today. But it would help if you are fast as these promo codes and deals are updated daily.
The best part about the website is you can find amazing freebies and sample products on the purchase of select items. The popular items in this category are beauty and baby-related products and brands. They are the best deals online for shoppers like me who look forward to trying out things before making the final purchase.
Virtual Shops Are The New Go-To Places
Due to the global outbreak, the cosmetic and clothing industries have come crashing down. Many big brands such as Loreal, P&G, Chanel, Estee & Lauder have closed up most of their retail stores. This has paved the way for virtual shops that replicate the shopping experience at physical stores while keeping the purchasing process fluid.
But this calls for significant investments by retailers in designing technologically advanced solutions. A Digital mirror is one great example through which customers can experience a product without trying it on.
Making The Most Of QR Codes
QR codes are also becoming extremely popular as they improve payment processes and let you skim through product descriptions. Many retailers allow customers to browse online and check the availability of a product at the store or warehouse.
Online shopping has also given a sudden boom to stockrooms as brands need to maintain their inventory to meet the changing customer demand. At the beginning of the lockdown, we witnessed empty shelves at many supermarkets, but the supply chain reacted fast and quickly restocked the shop.
What Will Be The New Normal?
Even when the lockdown ends, the retail and shopping landscape may never turn back to its old "normal" state. Like us and generations older and younger than us, people are warming up to the convenience of online shopping. Online sites like the one mentioned above will keep serving us with much better offers and ease of payment, taking e-commerce to the new zenith.
Once the shopping malls open up worldwide, we would still be required to maintain social distance for at least a year. The public spots such as play areas and food courts will be closed for much more extended periods. This may greatly affect shoppers with younger kids as they wouldn't be able to enjoy the perks of kid-friendly areas. This will, in turn, drive them to opt for alternatives such as online shopping.
Leave a Reply