The big department stores reopened on Saturday. The early turn out, light. I observed curiosity, people looking around, but no shopping. It is still too early to make a verdict. Perhaps, shoppers will return in the future. But in the New Normal large shops feel like dinosaurs. A species from a bygone era.
Still a lack of shoppers at local malls and stores. The air of uncertainty continues to affect buyers after reopening 8 days ago.
The “New Norma”l is not normal. Berlin is feeling the psychological impact of the Coronavirus. Although the German capital has not been as hard hit compared to other regions of the country, the effects cut across the city.
Stores have opened, yet people continue to stay away. The retail experience is almost a prozac nightmare. Cordoned off areas of stores, lines to enter, no dressing rooms, mandatory wearing of face masks.
Berlin partially lifted the lockdown. On Saturday I decided to go go to the KuDamm, the city’s main shopping area, to see the results of the reopening. The department store KaDeWe had it fist day of sale on the 25th. I ventured in, curious. Shopping in the “New Normal” written for an episode of “Black Mirror”. As with other stores I checked last week, people stayed away.
The city has eased the lockdown but shoppers are staying away from malls. Demand has dissolved. The “New Normal” for the short term means less consumption.
What makes it hard to buy? The constant reminders of the Coronavirus. A Mood killer!
Berlin partially lifted the lockdown form the Coronavirus Crisis. Stores up to 800 meters may open. But the limits are as follows: A limited number of people allowed for 20 meters. Sounds easy, but Soviet Union 1975, people standing in line waiting to get in a store.
I wanted to see it for myself. As one of the first major cities to reopen, the German capital could represent life with Covid-19. A living petri dish of the “New Normal”.
Shopping experience in a Post Lockdown world means distance.
I went to a denim shop in the city center for a pair of jeans. The sales person, a friend, was sitting outside as I came up. I entered the store with a mask in my hand, but he wearing his. There was tape on the floor to mark the 2 meter space in front of sales desk. Funny, the store felt a bit bare. I asked what happened. The previous collection was sent back to the head office. It did not sell. The carry over pieces are available until the Spring looks arrive.
I asked about business. A mixed reaction. He preferred people stay at home, not window shop. Better to call ahead for a pair of pants. It is safer. But the lack of buyers concerned him. If the lack of customers continued he feared the store would close in a matter of months. I got a pair of new jeans for the spring.
I walked around the shopping area, all the boutique shops looked empty. A street once filled with people, tumble weeds could have rolled across. A few stores marked down items at 70%. Few takers.
A bit strange walking into a sore filled with salespeople wearing masks and warning signs of a virus. Even asking a staff member 2 meters aways felt awkward. Next time I think Whats App.
The Mitte mega mall, Alex, had more employees than customers. To enter, shoppers have to go through line control. Once shopping was about connivence, now, drudgery. Opened for business but no shows. The public stayed away on the first opened day after 5 weeks in lockdown.
Stay Tuned for more.
The fashion world continues to respond to the world’s needs during this time of crisis.
Fashion Designer Ivan from fashion brand Ivanman decided to convert his Atelier to face mask production. Refashioned from industry materials, the pieces are colourful and expressive.
As the Coronavirus Lockdown exit strategies come in focus. Face masks maybe required accessories for leaving the home. This collection is designed and handmade in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
I bought two face masks, one orange, the other pink.
For more information on Ivanman check his website.
Andrea Bocelli gave an Easter Concert for “Hope” in Milan Italy. In front of the famed Duomo. The tenor streamed the uplifting event of “Hope” via YouTube. Bonelli’s foundation is engaged in raising funds for hospitals. The accompaniment included AVA MARIE and AMAZING GRACE.
With Milan still in lockdown, this is an expression of “We Will Triumph Over This”. Yes, we will. Seeing Milan again is on my wish list.
Stay Positive! Stay Safe!
My second feature on the “NEW NORMAL” in Berlin. Normally bustling plazas and streets, now eerie silence. At Easter the city is usually teeming with tourists. This season all resembles a set from the television series “Black Mirror”. While riding around on my bike taking pictures, I could only shake my head.
Fashion Designer and Black and Paper contributor Elena Nazaroff along with her business partner, fashion model Yulia Dudenko produce Face Masks in their homes. As the Coronavirus continues to ravage the world, the need for these accessories is great. The two have stepped up production to meet increased demand.
I admire the ladies for a being a part of the solution.
Each 100% cotton mask is handmade with love. All materials used are sustainable.
STAY SAFE! STAY HEALTHY! Please obey your local authorities concerning lockdowns and issues related to the Coronavirus.
Black and Paper salutes all those working to keep society going in these times.
We will get through this. See you soon! Better times lie ahead.
To learn more about the Face Masks contact Black and Paper or @Elena or Nazaroff.