30 Ways Shopping Will Never Be the Same After the Coronavirus

30 Ways Shopping Will Never Be the Same After the Coronavirus

Prepare now for a different shopping experience in the future.

By Laura Woods June 22, 2021 Retail Credit Cards 101

The coronavirus has changed life in just about every aspect, including shopping. Many retailers with a brick-and-mortar presence have been able to shift to serving customers solely online, but essential businesses like Target and Costco have been forced to quickly adapt to new safety protocols to protect customers and employees.

Some restrictions have eased up and will continue to do so, but as consumers get used to these thoughtful safety measures, they may want them to stick around. Here’s a glimpse at how shopping could be different forever.

Young Children Not Allowed in Stores

Taking your child with you to run errands might become a thing of the past. In fact, some stores have already instituted this rule.

Wisconsin-based home improvement store Menards banned shoppers under the age of 16 at one point, requiring anyone who looked younger than 16 to show identification. Per the company website, Menards has lifted this ban, noting that children are now "welcome."

Mandatory Face Masks

At the beginning of the pandemic, there was some confusion regarding who should wear face masks. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, where social distancing guidelines can be difficult to maintain.

Consequently, many stores have followed suit, requiring shoppers to wear masks. For example, effective May 4, Costco requires all shoppers — except children under age 2 and individuals with a medical condition who cannot wear a mask — to wear a face covering that shields their mouth and nose at all times while in the store. Apple also requires masks in its stores, as does Publix.

6-Foot Spacing

In the pre-pandemic world, shoppers didn’t think twice about congregating in small spaces. However, now that the CDC recommends staying at least 6 feet apart from other people, stores have had to adjust.

For example, Target has implemented signage, floor decals and audio messages in stores reminding customers to stay 6 feet apart. Even when it’s seemingly safe to go back to normal, many customers might be uncomfortable narrowing the distance between themselves and fellow shoppers.

Buying Limits on In-Demand Items

It’s no secret that some shoppers have been hoarding in-demand items like toilet paper and hand sanitizer. As a result, some retailers have limited the number of hot-ticket items people can purchase per visit.

For example, Costco is currently restricting select fresh meat purchases to three packages per member. Kroger Co. is also limiting customers to certain quantities when purchasing high-demand items.

This makes sense, as 47% of consumers are stocking up on essential items, with 78% doing so because it makes them feel "safer," according to Shopkick. Buying limits on certain items could become the new standard, as the pandemic might leave people with a hoarding mentality.

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