Surely, your customer data hasn't caught the virus?

Lockdowns, curfews and the call for self-isolation have all challenged those traders in essential goods, who have to get their product to the consumer through this maze of new regulations and restrictions.

- PRIYANGA HAPUGALLE

Even though it took some time and effort to organise, the entrepreneurs among them were quick to offer online ordering and delivery.

Then, a smart retailer offered a regular grocery pack for Rs.1,000, which could be picked up from the store. Hopefully, the deal was done with a three-feet distance and perhaps with the aid of a fishing rod-like device!

But pandemonium erupted with the pandemic in full flow, when the curfew was lifted and the masses spilt over to the streets, ‘kades’ and supermarkets.

Whilst it showed that our society was a disciplined lot at last (three feet and all), there were also those wild scenes witnessed elsewhere, which compromised all guidelines of self-distancing or even shielding oneself from a sneeze.

It was then that the think tanks went in to devise a strategy to deliver groceries and other essentials direct to the consumer. This of course was on the premise that a ‘lockdown’ concept will not be effective in our market.

Could pickup points and selective shopping have still been the answer?

Dare I say that the pickup option in a time like this would still have been a good option.

Whilst the concept of pickup at store from an online order is pretty straightforward, serving a random pickup from store to avoid human contact needs some planning.