Four essential steps that your brand should take before opening up post-lockdown

With cities, states and countries across the globe preparing to open their doors after a long, difficult lockdown, there's never been a greater focus on commercial adaptation to better suit the 'new normal'.

There are several important changes that must be made to ensure businesses can get back into the swing of things, as the risk of catching the virus is still present, and each individual business has a responsibility to refrain from contributing to the spread.

Luckily it needn't be as tricky as you might expect to prep your brand for the post-lockdown shopper frenzy, as there are four simple steps that you can follow to get more than ready for your big reopening day.

So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that you and your team can utilise now.

Step 1. Invest In PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

One of the most important steps that you must take before opening your doors once more involves investing in a large quantity of personal protective equipment.

You'll need a variety of face masks, face shields and disposable gloves to keep your staff safe when serving customers, so be sure to source sufficient stock of PPE materials so that your team never has to go without.

Face masks should be worn at all times on the shop floor unless you are medically exempt from the rule, so running out of such stock could mean you may even have to shut up shop for the day. 

Step 2. Use signage and stickers 

There are several important rules and guidelines in place that both your staff and your customers must be aware of, and the responsibility is on you to remind them of these features and facts whilst in your store.

Using signs and stickers to represent these messages is often the most effective option to pursue.

Post a sign at your front door that states all those who aren't exempt are advised to wear a face covering, whilst laying stickers on the ground to aid your customers in abiding by social distancing rules. 

Step 3. Implement social distancing rules 

Social distancing rules are one of the most vital aspects of 'pandemic prevention', as being two metres away from another person makes it near impossible for any kind of virus or bacteria to spread from person to person.

It's easy to forget such a rule when a similar social guideline has never been in place before, so you must do your bit to implement distancing within your business.

Aside from using stickers on the floor in areas such as the till to encourage a two metre distance, you can utilise tannoy announcements to encourage both your staff and clientele to step back and stay safe. 

Step 4. Focus on hygiene 

Your hands can hold onto so much grime and bacteria, and if you're handling customer items or touching products on the shop floor your risk becomes even greater.

Focusing on hygiene by providing easy access to hand washing stations is absolutely essential.