THE WHAT? Saks Fifth Avenue has drawn up a ‘re-entry’ plan with a vision of what its stores will look like post- coronavirus lockdown, according to a report by NY Post.
THE DETAILS The plan will see sales assistants wearing fashionable masks while handing out sanitizer, and is said to focus on ensuring customers feel safe.
The retailer is said to be planning on utilizing disposable cosmetic samples, contactless credit card readers and virtual shopping assistants.
Speaking about the plan, Saks President Marc Metrick said, “We don’t want anything medical or scary looking. Masks could become the new iPhone cases. There is a chance it could become another new accessory.”
Looking to reopen some of its stores by 1st June, the company will take daily temperatures of its employees as well as sanitizing the store in front of customers to bolster confidence.
Metrick continued, “We can’t pretend that everything is normal. I don’t think people will be standing six feet from each other 18 months from now, but there will be an interim period when they want a sense of security about how we are taking steps to protect them.”
THE WHY? The re-entry plan comes as some U.S. states look likely to have reached the peak in coronavirus cases, with businesses formulating plans to begin reopening as lockdown measures loosen.
Acknowledging the need for the ‘next normal’ Metrick also highlighted a valeting system, which could see an employee meet consumers at the front of the store to handle returns.
Metrick said, “In the next normal, we can avoid you coming in the store altogether. I think some customers would enjoy that.”
