No matter how dark things look, sooner or later we start to see light - even if it's only a glimmer. We are now starting to see that first small sign that retail is heading towards recovery. Recovery doesn't mean 100% back to normal. And most likely "normal" will be redefined. However, we are starting to see a timeline for the curve to move in an upwards direction. At the forefront is Saks Fifth Avenue, which is targeting to start re-opening stores on June 1. Most wouldn't expect a department store to be leading retail, however management at the New York-based chain is preparing for success, rather than joining the ranks of those who are binge watching/reading news and wringing their hands over the current situation. Saks has mapped out how its stores will transition through the initial post-lockdown phase. From what we can tell, the retailer will be taking a page from Asia's playbook (a wise move since Asia has experience with this sort of situation). According to an article in the New York Post, Saks will be kitting out its sales associates with face masks (custom designed to look more fashionable than medical) and requiring daily temperature checks. <strong>Building Customer Confidence</strong> Saks said that it will be providing customers with personal bottles of hand sanitizer. Housekeeping staff will be deployed to frequently - and visibly - sanitize door handles, hand rails on escalators, elevators, and other places that customers might touch, President Marc Metrick told the Post. NFC (near field communication), often referred to as "contactless" payment systems, which most retailers already have, will also support the prevaling 'less contact is better' mindset. Now that Saks has taken a position on re-opening, we expect that it will serve as a signal to others. Ultimately, each state govenor can make their own decision about when retail in their state can open. Still, the signs are starting to point in an optimistic direction.