Retail. What does it look like after the Covid Virus has taken over the country since March? Anyone following my blogs knows that I took a significant hit from this virus. I said that Tom would want me to continue blogging once I got myself to a point where I could begin to think again. I thought the first blog should be about what retail looks like after being shut down for so long.
A friend and I ventured out to the mall after they opened up in NJ to do a quick spin through a couple of stores to see what was going on. My first stop was to the Mothership (I always refer to Nordstrom as the Mothership). It was eerily empty and low on merchandise. Part of the first floor was a staging area for the online and curbside pick up shopping. Staffing was light but very helpful and conscientious about the handling of merchandise. A selling associate told me to feel free to try anything on but give it back to her if I was not purchasing it because it would be quarantined overnight. What struck me the most was the assortment of merchandise. There was everything from sweaters and carcoats (no time for in-season markdown sales) to summery looking dresses. They will be getting all set for the Anniversary Sale that is coming up. I will return for that. I haven’t missed one in years. Did pick up two incredibly priced items. I almost consider it stealing…a great coral poncho top and a beautiful gray hombre scarf. I have to admit that I had been doing some online Nordstrom shopping already just in case I get to go out.
After Nordstrom I wanted to see how a fast fashion store looked so we headed over to H&M. Much of the same situation there-sweaters and winter merchandise that had not had the time to be sold as an in-season markdown. I did find a couple of shift dresses I had been eyeing online. Fabulous printed rayon, bold floral and a perfect green palm leaf print. I had seen them online for $24.99 but I got them for $19.99. Great swimsuit coverup should the occasion arise. H&M is very open with their signage for sales.
From here I looked at Macy’s. Again, a mix of seasons.
Another day I went to Chico’s and Soft Surroundings to look at specialty stores. In both stores I found the mix to be much more focused and more seasonal. The first four photos are Soft Surroundings, then a shot of the Chico’s window.
Being a real shopper, it is heartbreaking to see what the “brick and mortar” retailors are going through. I think the online stores must be out of their minds with the increase in business from necessity, boredom and anxiety brought on by the pandemic. Only the strong will survive and unfortunately commercial real estate will also be dragged down with them.
This personal purchase I made online from Nordstrom. Little Words Project about sums up my feelings for 2020 and I’m sure the retail community shares my opinion.
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