In March 2020, when the COVID-19 global pandemic began in earnest, the way we shop changed virtually overnight.
While some retailers closed, others found new ways to get us the products we needed and wanted. With shelves empty and certain supplies difficult to find, we also had to find other ways to get the things we needed for our homes.
For more specific examples of how COVID-19 has impacted the way we shop, consider the following:
Online Shopping
With entire malls closing, mom and pop shops shuttering and grocery stores struggling to keep items in stock, online shopping quickly became the means by which to get our everyday necessities. Indeed, many people quickly discovered online shopping not only was — and still remains — convenient, but it could also be budget-friendly. For instance, for women in the market for some new lingerie — or guys who wanted to treat their special someone to some gorgeous new garters or teddies — online retailers like Yandy quickly became a fantastic option. With affordable prices, a large selection and convenient delivery, shopping for intimate apparel became easier than ever.
Curbside Pickup
Restaurant owners who were determined to stay open during the pandemic had to devise new ways for customers to enjoy their offerings, but without opening their doors for business — literally. Of course, curbside pickup quickly became the go-to means for individuals and families to still enjoy their favorite restaurant food in a safe manner. But it wasn’t just restaurants getting in on the act. Other retailers took notice of the ease of doing business this way and started providing the same option. From supermarkets and pet shops to hardware stores and clothing boutiques, consumers were able to easily order what they needed online or by phone before picking up their items curbside — and this business approach is likely here to stay.
Virtual Clothes Shopping
Another way COVID-19 impacted the way we shop was the inability to go into dressing rooms — let alone enter any department stores and retailers in the first place — to try on clothing. But even as restrictions were loosened and stores began to reopen, dressing rooms remained tightly locked.
This, of course, presented a challenge to those who prefer to shop in person and try on clothing before buying anything, resulting in consumers having to shop online for new jeans, shirts, shoes and more — all in the hopes that these items would fit when delivered to their homes.
However, help eventually came many people’s way. In an effort to help consumers “try on” clothes they saw online, the Forma app was created. The app features a virtual fitting room that makes it possible to see yourself dressed in just about any type of clothing. Combined with Forma’s artificial intelligence capabilities, users upload a photo of themselves to get a more accurate look at how they would look in a specific dress shirt or pair of jeans.
Shopping: Different, But Still Successful
COVID-19 has certainly inspired us to think outside the box in many ways — and how we shop is definitely one of them. Instead of being deterred by shuttered stores and empty shelves, we found new ways to get the items we needed. From online shopping and curbside pickup to an app that lets us try on clothing — no dressing room required — we have definitely pivoted to shopping solutions that are successful and safe.
