As retail reopens the question everyone is asking is "Will Consumers Come Back?", and if so, "How fast?" So far, the outlook is encouraging. People are by nature social creatures so there is a fundamental desire to be around other people. There's also the desire to return to doing the things that they used to do before the lockdown. This, plus pent up demand, especially for services, accounted for the bouyant response in most countries where lockdowns were eased during the past week to 10 days. What hasn't returned yet is consumer confidence. Reopening retail and what appears to be a slowing down in the spread of the coronavirus are optimistic signs. However many people are still furloughed or unemployed. This has a spill over effect even on people who still have jobs, since they feel that if things don't go well that their jobs could be at risk. <strong>Early Feedback</strong> <ul> <li><strong>Consumers are spending, but they are spending cautiously</strong>. That means avoiding buying anything on credit, resisting impulse buys, and defering some purchases to a later time (when presumably they'll feel more financially secure).</li> <li>They are <strong>looking for products that are durable</strong>. In apparel this means better quality - in fabric and workmanship - so that the garments will have a longer lifespan (and still look good).</li> <li>There's also a <strong>demand for items that are mood lifters</strong>. Bright colors, fun prints, pretty details on women's clothing, and eye catching graphics on menswear apparel - these are set to drive sales.</li> </ul> During the lockdown, the focus was on buying basics. These early post-lockdown days see a demand for small items that bring some joy to their lives. <strong>Products that are Set to Sell</strong> [swpm_protected] Products that capture what consumers want now include Nike's new "<a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/nike-new-chunky-dunky-shoes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chunky Dunky</a>" shoe, a collaboration with ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's and <a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/billabong-dr-seuss-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Billabong's Dr. Seuss</a> capsule. <strong>Other collections that understand what consumers want now</strong>: <ul> <li><a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/preppy-pop-launches-popeye-line-for-men/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Preppy Pop</a>'s men's cotton shirts that with prints featuring cartoon character Popeye.</li> <li>The <a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/the-new-converse-g4-revives-the-brands-80s-look/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Converse G4</a> features an explosion of colors and 80's inspired graphics.</li> <li>Loot Crate's <a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/wizard-world-inspires-fan-wear/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cornish Pixies</a> limited edition merchandise.</li> <li>Uniqlo's collaboration with <a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/uniqlo-marimekko-celebrate-swedish-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marimekko</a> brings casualwear in loose fitting silhouettes that feature bold colors and patterns.</li> <li>H&M and illustrator <a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/hm-collab-with-emma-jayne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emma Jayne</a>'s capsule collection for kids with vibrant tropical prints.</li> <li>H&M Home's newest <strong><a href="https://insidefashionlive.net/hm-collab-with-emma-jayne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paradise</a></strong> collection that makes you feel like you're at a beach resort, regardless of where you actually are.</li> </ul> [/swpm_protected]