Businesses in the UK are eagerly preparing to welcome back customers as they gear up to reopen their doors on June 15, as announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. While there was initial speculation that June 1 would mark the reopening date, it has now been clarified that only outdoor markets and car showrooms will start operations on that day.
Despite the June 15 reopening date for retailers, the fashion and beauty sectors are facing the challenge of ensuring the safety of both customers and staff. Strict guidelines such as limiting the number of people inside stores, implementing queuing systems, and possibly quarantining handled products will need to be adhered to.
Fashion stores are grappling with the safe operation of changing rooms, while beauty stores are exploring virtual testing options to replace product testers. With these new safety measures in place, the question remains whether shoppers will feel comfortable returning to physical stores.
Recent surveys have indicated a shift in consumer behavior, with more individuals moving away from fast fashion and leaning towards sustainable and durable products. The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) revealed that 35% of women are planning to purchase fewer fashion items in the future, with 28% already recycling or reusing their fashion purchases more frequently during the pandemic.
The pandemic has raised awareness on the environmental and social impact of fast fashion, prompting consumers to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their purchasing choices. Josie Warden, associate director at RSA, emphasized the growing concerns over fashion waste and poor labor conditions, signaling a potential shift towards more conscious shopping habits post-pandemic.
While some consumers are eager to resume shopping after the lockdown, the sentiment against fast fashion has been reinforced by the current crisis. Industry organizations like the British Fashion Council and Council of Fashion Designers of America are advocating for a slowdown in production and an emphasis on sustainability, hinting at a possible significant transformation in the fashion retail landscape in the near future.
For more information on sustainable fashion, check out these helpful links: Good On You and EcoWatch.
