51.qxp_New Grid 03/09/2020 15:59 Page 1
Consumer Feedback
The New
Normal
Mandatory face masks; hand sanitiser; social distancing; clothing steam cleaned and cash not accepted. For all of us, popping into a shop is a very different experience to pre-lockdown. Four consumers told PG&H how it felt when they shopped at a variety of gift stores while out and about this summer.
Buy Don’t Try! During a family holiday in Suffolk student Helena Howard headed for Amore in Woodbridge. “There was a cute Wrendale Designs’ 'Keep 2m' poster in the window and someone at the door counting in seven people at a time. Once inside, there was a sanitiser station and distance markers. I bought a Kew Gardens Magnolia and Pear hand cream as a ‘thank you’ gift for my violin teacher, but had to buy it on its description and pretty packaging rather than knowing what it smelt like, as testers aren't much use when you have a mask on! However, we did notice someone taking their mask off to smell something, which was a bit worrying! My sister and I also chose new face masks by Eco Chic for each family member. I paid through a Perspex screen with my debit card, having learned my lesson when visiting a gift shop in York where cash wasn’t accepted." Above: Helena Howard outside Amore in Woodbridge.
Free To Roam During a visit to see her in-laws in Bideford last month, Amanda Murray, managing director of an events company, went into Sunshine & Snow to buy a greeting card. “The shop floor was clearly marked out with how far apart you needed to be and hand sanitiser was displayed on a nice stand. I told my husband I would be five minutes, but I stayed in the shop for a good half an hour as there were so many lovely things to look at and I was free to roam! I eventually came out with two greeting cards and a dress. In fact, I saw two that I liked and was surprised that I was allowed to try them on. However, I was assured that every item is steam cleaned afterwards. There were screens over the payment desk and I paid with my debit card.” Left: Sunshine & Snow was a magnet for Amanda Murray.
A Helpful Welcome Primary school deputy head Jenny Power describes Harriet & Dee in Manchester’s Didsbury, as her “’go to’ shop for gifts and cards”. Wanting to buy a housewarming gift for a colleague, as well as a treat for a friend, plus a card, Jenny masked up and headed there. “Irene [Bayliss, the shop’s owner], is always so welcoming and helpful, that I know it will never be a wasted visit,” she commented. “The layout of the shop means that, under the current circumstances, only a few customers can be accommodated at any one time. However, reassuringly Irene is positioned behind the till to gesture customers in.” From the various products Irene suggested, Jenny plumped for a decorative utensil holder from Rader’s Get Together range for her colleague and a box of melts from Pour London for her friend. She then selected a wren design greeting card from The DM collection. “I think lockdown has made people more aware of their natural surroundings and appreciation of birds, which is why I so loved the card I bought,” said Jenny. Above: Jenny Power (left) during her shopping trip to Harriet & Dee in Didsbury.
Friendly And Relaxed While Sam Bennellick-Jones, a stage manager, was visiting a friend in SE London she popped into gift shop Bunka in Forest Hill. “The overall experience was friendly, calm and relaxed,” she confirmed. “There was a ‘meeter and greeter’ at the door and I was given the space to browse. Social distancing occurred somewhat by default across the shop owing to its layout - there is an island of gifts in the middle which naturally lends itself to distancing although a couple of parts are narrow. There was signage displayed requesting masks to be worn, as well as being available for purchase on the first stand nearest the door. I browsed for around 20 minutes and came out with a couple of Kikkerland snack zip bags, a product that I had bought before and have found really useful.” Right: Sam Bennellick-Jones was pleased with her purchase.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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