Retail post pandemic: Make it fun, make it art!

With retail spaces carefully and prudently reopening after lockdown, the days of being shoulder to shoulder with strangers in public spaces feels like a different time.

Helping to reassure consumer anxiety with well curated and considered spaces can go a long way to show that your brand cares.

Skincare brand Haeckels, based in Margate, for example are running a ‘social experiment’ in their seaside store.

For its reopening, the store was re-imagined – cabinets and shelves full of products have been replaced with a product-free mirrored interior.

Shoppers only need to interact with the door handle and touchscreen to browse the collection. Only one customer is allowed in the shop at a time and clean air is pumped through the space at all times.

“It was time to re-evaluate and progress. We have to move on together, as one community, whilst also not being afraid to leave the past before.

I imagined a shop where everyone was safe, as much of a safe space as anybody could possibly need to be anxiety free……I imagined infinity and a lone robot.”

This example of self-contained retail is a way to surprise and delight consumers in a way that eases anxiety and shows both kindness and consideration as people return to stores post lockdown.