Garment retailers roll out steps to check spread

From UV light to steam irons, try different ways to sanitise items

Manpriya Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 1

Several what ifs are being raised regarding the post-lockdown scenario — is trying clothes while shopping safe enough? Is consumer confidence being built to drag the economy back on track? The retailers from the Sector 17 Plaza fill us in on the footfall and precautions taken.

At Kapsons Exclusive in Sector 17, trying clothes before buying has been put on a hold. “However, we have our return policy in place and articles returned are kept at a separate place for at least two days, then these are sanitised with steam iron and put back on shelves,” shares Mohit Sharma, store manager.

While the business has definitely suffered, he looks at the bright side. “If earlier we witnessed a footfall of 300, now it is down to 50 to 60 shoppers. However, they are all serious shoppers, who purchase in bulk and not window shoppers. The business that was less than 20 per cent for all retailers to begin with has come up to the level of 30 per cent and in some cases even 50 per cent.”

Manish Jain, owner, Meena Bazaar, said: “Shoppers spend close to half an hourin the store — partly because of the precautions we are taking. Masks are handed over to them at entry points and then thermal scanning is being done. If a shopper tries something and doesn’t buy it, the article is sent to the “quarantine zone” and sanitised using UV lights a day later. We are also encouraging e-commerce in a slightly novel way.”

“A retail assistant takes you on a virtual tour, shows each piece over a video call. From local shoppers to international brands, e-commerce has gone beyond website,” says Ritika Ranjan, a visual merchandiser with one of the Michael Kors boutiques.

“There is no way we let more than two customers at a time into our boutiques and we are also arranging for home trunk shows,” she said.

A retailer of innerwear clothes in Sector 8 said: “Nobody is trying. Instead, people are bulk buying tried and tested things.”

Meanwhile, at the Adidas retail outlet in Sector 17, they are extra cautious with a few touchpoints — door handles, try rooms and hangers. “We also let the stock be kept aside for 20 hours after it has been touched and seen by a prospective buyer,” says manager Ravinder Pal Singh. He adds: “Business is definitely picking up by the day. But right now, people are only coming in for essentials.”