With retailers across the UK preparing to cautiously reopen their doors on 15th June, almost half (44 per cent) of consumers do not yet feel comfortable about shopping in-store. That’s according to new ‘Back to Business’ research from Qualtrics.
Despite many shops planning to get back up and running next week, a further 58 per cent of UK consumers reveal that they believe things will “never get back to normal”. The Qualtrics’ research also identifies the high number of UK consumers who feel uncomfortable with other aspects of returning to how things were:
- 69 per cent of people would feel uncomfortable going to a restaurant
- 73 per cent would be uncomfortable going to the gym
- 74 per cent feel uncomfortable with the thought of using public transit
- 75 per cent would not be comfortable going on a flight
Commenting on the research, Nan Russell, XM scientist at Qualtrics said: “From small, local businesses to large global corporations, no business has been immune to COVID-19. As retailers, restaurateurs and other businesses plan how to safely re-open to the public, every company is having to re-imagine what customer experience looks like.
“With so many feeling anxious about going back to the way things were, it’s down to those operating these businesses to make sure consumers feel safe and confident enough to head back to shops and restaurants. This is the only way these companies can begin to rebuild.
“Whether you’re heading up a clothes shop, an airline or a local café, when setting out on this ‘back to business’ journey, listening and acting upon the concerns of consumers will allow businesses to reopen in a way that works for everyone and help businesses get back to business in the right way.”
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