How the Pandemic Has Affected Our Clothing Purchases

Consumer purchasing habits are shifting away from traditional retail as more of us turn to online shopping amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The epidemic has hastened the transition to a digital society and prompted long-term shifts to the online shopping habits not only in Australia but also worldwide. Businesses are responding to new trends and habits, from customers investing more in casualwear to retailers offering more personalized shopping experiences with valuable prices in many ecommerce sites like Payday deals that offers great quality of clothes and good value for money.

1. No Dressing Room Access

Closed storefronts and social isolation have had a huge influence, and one of the most visible changes is the inability to try on clothes in-store.

Many businesses are suffering this problem, and customers are being forced to return unsuitable goods, thus fashion designers are exploring solutions. Virtual dressing rooms, such as Zyler, are one option.

Customers may digitally try on outfits by uploading a selfie and providing a few dimensions using interactive apps, or online clothing try-on tools offered by brands and online shops.

Ecommerce that are doing great are the ones that offer a free return of unwanted or unsuitable clothes. It’s a marketing strategy that seems to pay off and attracts consumers and their loyalty to the brand.

2. Retail Therapy

While the garment industry as a whole has suffered, those with a strong internet presence have survived.

ASOS, for example, has ascribed its stunning 329 per cent increase in profits to sales of low-cost loungewear. As an online-only company, the retailer is well positioned to weather the pandemic and its aftereffects, as seen by the brand’s desire to save itself.

With all of the Covid-19 safeguards in place, the fun of buying has been taken out, and shops must adapt to keep things interesting. Customers are still spending, but the majority of it is done online, and this effect is likely to force competitors to increase their investments in digital operations. Shopping is still see as many as a therapy, but some of the relevant elements have disappear: the touching to feel the quality of clothes, the music in the shop, interaction with the staff, etc..

3. Demand for Personalized Shopping

There has been a growth in demand for tailored clothing services, as well as an expansion of loungewear departments. Many businesses are pondering how to stay relevant in the face of a pandemic. Consumers expect unique experiences when they are stuck at home, whether it’s online personal styling or the chance to try on items online. It is not a surprise that many brands are offering customize option so each piece of clothes is more unique than ever!

Many merchant websites follow a one-size-fits-all strategy, which is unlikely to last much longer. Retailers must customize the client journey as the pandemic sparks a buying revolution. By incorporating new technology, such as online try-on into a website, customers not only become more connected with the product but are also given something fresh to do with their time, rather than simply browsing products as is customary. This is especially crucial at a time when clothing purchasing feels impersonal with the lack of human connection.

4. Demand for Casual Wear

People are investing more in casual and gym gear, and businesses selling these goods have witnessed a significant increase, with some companies, such as Boohoo, offering specific features and collections of loungewear and “Stay at Home” or “Work from Home” ensembles. Most white-collar workers are now working from home, thanks to a newfound love of sweatpants that some experts predict may outlast the pandemic.

Sales of heels and other dress shoes have been decreasing for years, thanks to stores missing out on the Christmas party boom last year, and the epidemic has hastened their downfall. According to statistics, sales of men’s and women’s dress shoes fell by 70% in March and April. As a result of the numerous cancellations of festivals around the Australia, clothing associated with events, such as festival outfits, suffered an even steeper drop of 152 per cent.

However, some companies, such as Missguided and River Island, have chosen the empowering approach of “dressing up for me,” which, while keeping more formal wear items selling, will appeal to the younger selfie generation, who still want to upload images of themselves looking beautiful.

Flight to digital: Digital use has risen substantially in recent months across all industries not only the clothing one. Disney+ created a membership based subscription in five months that Netflix took seven years to build. Remote working, studying, and purchasing have also increased. Prior to the pandemic, reliance on digital was increasing, and a significant portion of this online penetration is projected to continue when the virus is finished.

Shift to value: The rise in online purchasing hasn’t compensated for the overall drop in consumer spending. Consumers plan to spend less on discretionary items like clothing, automobiles, and travel, and more on necessities like groceries and household supplies.

Shock to loyalty: Since the start of the crisis, three-quarters of Australian consumers have modified their buying habits, with one-third trying a new shopping mode like delivery or curbside pickup and nearly one-third switching retailers. The primary reason for this surprising change to alternative companies is value—which could include lower prices, discounts, greater box sizes, or less expensive delivery. There has been a shift toward less-priced products.

How do you believe businesses can generate value throughout the Christmas season, particularly for online shopping?

Customers have demonstrated that they will switch merchants during COVID-19 as they adjust to a reimagined sense of ease. It will be critical to supply consumers with the things they desire, when and when they choose to purchase them.

Given the rush to online purchasing and the predicted delivery issues, retailers have already begun to drive demand ahead through early product availability, surgical promotions or deals, and direct communications with customers.

Given the increased traffic predicted on websites and mobile apps, businesses should verify that their digital/mobile shops and operational backbone can handle the increased load.