How Are Retailers Reacting to the Threat of a 2022 Lockdown?

What will a 2022 lockdown look like for US retailers across the country? We look at the pitfalls and what you can do to secure your business in 2022.

Fluctuating COVID cases, staffing shortages and the decline of in-store shopping due to the pandemic have all hit retail hard. Now, we need to take measures in protecting our industry. With new COVID variants, such as Omicron, cropping up across the globe, the possibility and threat of a 2022 lockdown could be imminent.

The effect of a 2022 lockdown on the US retail industry could be catastrophic. The recent lockdowns affected supply chains right across the US due to the haulage driver shortage. This caused a knock-on effect to the container, shipping, port, railroad, air, and warehouse industries. As retailers, we need to ensure that measures and systems are in place so we’re all prepared.

Rising Cases in the USA

As COVID variants continue to spread, cases in the US are rising. The New York Times reports that cases are actually rising faster in November 2021 than any other month previously. This could have a detrimental effect on US retail and the US economy. One of the steps that could be taken in the event of a 2022 lockdown is to future-proof with Qudini technology.

Qudini specializes in helping leading retailers and banks deliver safer, more efficient and engaging customer experiences. In May 2021, we created a report on consumer shopping habits during and after the pandemic. One key challenge for retailers that we discovered was that joining in-store lines was a concern for returning customers. 42% of returning customers said they were concerned about joining lines within retail stores, and would continue to do so for some time. 

New Digital Innovation to challenge a 2022 lockdown

Digital innovation has helped retailers during and after the pandemic. Consumers have become used to the convenience and safety of shopping online, but to get shoppers back in stores, new, innovative ways of delivering customer service need to be implemented.  One of the services Qudini offers to retail and banks is digital appointment booking. Customers can book appointments with knowledgeable staff, or simply to browse stores knowing that it won’t be too busy. 2022 will be about creating an experience to keep shoppers coming through the door. For more insights, you can read our article on the 5 predictions we expect to see in retail in 2022.

With the possibility of another lockdown in 2022, future-proof your business with Qudini tech and find out how we can help.