As a longtime business writer in the fine jewelry industry, I’ve been pouring over consumer reports, referencing resources from trade organizations, and garnering advice from business consultants to develop content to help jewelers navigate this unchartered territory.
Groups tracking consumer behavior, like McKinsey & Company, find COVID-19 has already changed habits, permanently. Used to staying home now for weeks at a time, consumers are shifting to online and digital solutions, as well as reduced-contact channels to get a variety of goods and services. In the future, they won’t visit retail outlets unless given good reason (i.e. in-store exclusive).
Many trends were underway pre-pandemic, with the virus pushing businesses to streamline operations and re-imagine physical and virtual spaces and how people interact, shop and do business.
As we reopen, some consumers will resume daily activities outside their homes without reservations, but most are uncomfortable to fully re-engage, finds McKinsey. As consumers determine where to visit, research shows most want extra reassurances, prioritizing cleaning and sanitation, and looking for the use of masks and barriers.
Consumers decide with whom and how to do business based on our needs, priorities and values. Businesses should be upfront as to what customers can expect when visiting them. Looking in just my community, I have not come across many businesses posting prominently on their website and social media about their efforts to keep employees and customers safe — mostly information regarding curbside pickup, special business hours, and policies for making reservations.
Refreshing, enlightening and keeping customers invested in its success, my favorite local restaurant, The Glen Rock Mill Inn, has been regularly communicating with customers on its website and social media. In a recent Facebook post, owner Brandon Hufnagel shared: “Sustaining our staff members and protecting the investment in our business, historic property, and community will drive how we begin to reopen and reinvent our restaurant and hotel.”
He talked about GRMI services like preordered and prepared menu and curbside carryout, and efforts for outdoor-dining and re-imagined in-door dining to come. He discussed mask wearing and social distancing protocols, reduction in guest capacity, and rising costs in food, sanitation and personal protective gear. “We developed a set of guidelines to help us focus on the goal of protecting our investment in our restaurant family and our business.”
Thumbs up as well to another local favorite Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market for its open dialogue. Prominent on its homepage: “THANK YOU for your patience as we navigate this new shopping experience. Please join us in wearing a mask and distancing as is respectful to others when shopping in our Farm Market and outdoor garden area at this time.”
The website details how the market is re-imaging services, and favorite seasonal activities like its kids summer camp, and asks customers to join the staff in implementing the protocols that will help it be successful.
Businesses that are not promoting their safety protocols, and how they are innovating and adapting their operations to meet the challenges of the day, are missing opportunities to tell their stories and build trust.
Consumers, particularly those endorsing businesses to reopen now, should get behind health protocols in place, as advocated by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, for the well-being of these businesses and the community.
Most consumers research online, starting with a company’s website. And, Millennials and Gen Zs, the biggest consumer demographics in America, are using multiple platforms in a single customer experience. This makes it even more critical for businesses reopening to have clear, concise and consistent messaging across communication channels.
While consumer confidence is at an all-time low, it has only one-way to go but up. Businesses that promote their best practices and protocols, innovations and value-added services will inspire confidence and help consumers feel more comfortable getting back out there.
