Is anyone “going for a wander around the shops” anymore

[Makinganewthinghappen]

I used to enjoy going for a wander around the shops, charity shops, books shops etc and just picking up bits and pieces.

Since Covid though it’s just not enjoyable doing that - Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining about the measures taken I know they are needed but it has made a relaxing rummage pretty impossible. Wearing a mask, the one way systems etc and notices not to touch anything your not going to buy makes are a little off putting!

I really miss my little trips to our local shops and I have been trying since they reopened to get back into the swing of it one or two have on mine delivery which I have used but most don’t, a few have already shut down.

Is anyone else finding shops difficult to use at the moment? I feel bad for not supporting the shops - I literally live on the Main Street I look out of the window and see how empty they are!

No. I normally love shopping but it isn’t fun any more. I shall save my money instead.
I do have some TK Maxx vouchers so may try there soon as need a few household
things. I’m also starting Christmas shopping but mostly online.

When you've been walking far more than necessary because of one way systems in the mall and in the shops, then you can't sit down on a bench in the mall - they've taped it off, and your feet ache, it's really not a pleasant experience. Plus having to wash your hands entering a store when you've done that less than a minute ago in another store, having come back out because you can't touch and feel what you wanted to buy - all too stressful, I'm afraid. .3

And I agree about needing to touch and inspect things before I buy. If I'm going to splash out 20 odd quid on a top, I want to be sure that the seams are sound, it's not cut wonky, the fabric is soft and not scratchy, that it's not weirdly see through and it doesn't all crease up the moment it moves.

And anyone barking orders about touching a handbag is never going to stay afloat.

I had a nice browse in an independent bookshop. Mostly I am not going in shops to browse, just going in with a mission and taking some extra time if there aren’t too many people waiting and the vibe is ok. Feel guilty about going in without buying things though so I bought some overpriced cards from the bookshop!

Yes, there is no way I would buy clothes without touching!

In general I am trying to minimise touching which seems fair enough but if I have sanitised my hands two minutes ago I am not going to buy from someone who tells me not to touch at all!

We went yesterday before masks become compulsory. 3 shops to stock up on trainer socks for me, sandals for my daughter and cough sweets as all the extra cleaning stuff in shops gets on my chest and sets my throat tickling.

It felt fine. No queues as it's deathly quiet. No extra browsing. I don't know if I've become a bit agoraphobic/claustrophobic after months of being either at home or outdoors. I started to feel desperate to be back outside.

With masks I'm going to go back to letting my husband do the bulk of supermarket shopping. I get thrown and confused too easily by sensory stuff and would end up coming home with only half of what we need.

I went shopping last week and it was a depressing joyless experience. Like you OP I enjoy going for a mooch, look at the clothes, make up, have coffee and cake etc. It’s a past time I really enjoy doing.

Last week was awful, thoroughly thoroughly depressing. John Lewis Beauty Department, everything was stripped from the beauty counters. So literally Chanel, Estée Lauder etc, just the Empty stands remaining. It was like a bargain basement closing down sale with everything gone. And this was John Lewis! They still have stock, but it’s hidden away so you have to find someone and tell them exactly what you need. Which if you know exactly what product is fine.

You can’t try stuff on. Lots of shops still closed. People barking at you to follow signs, or you have to knock on a door and wait for the door to be unlocked before you can get in (JoJo Maman looking at you)

I wore a mask, which I hated as it made me hot sticky and very aware of my breathing. But it wasn’t even about the masks - it was the whole experience. It was awful and it’s made me not want to do it again if I’m honest. Thoroughly depressing. It will absolutely kill the high street if this is going to be the experience

No browsing for me. It’s impossible when you have to queue to get into each store. Plus I have a daughter I have to drag around with me or she has to wait in the car which she never used to mind but it’s not ideal at the moment as I don’t know how long I am going to be.

My dd wanted a few things from Hobbycraft and we did click and collect which was easy so I will be doing that instead when I can.

There were queues outside the charity shops in my town centre yesterday.

I agree OP. I have had a bit of a look this week but it’s not the same.

One way systems in shops make browsing very difficult and there’s only so long I can keep a mask on before I have to leave.

I was in a shop and wanted to get back to the other side to look at something else but had to queue up as if to pay, then leave the shop and come back in to go round again

No testers, being told not to touch things and where to stand. I don’t think I’ll bother again for a while.

Bit surprised by some of these responses - since everything re-opened I've been to two different Waterstones, an independent bookshop, two sewing shops, a charity shop, Boots, WHSmith and a little art and crafts gift shop (not all in one go!) All felt very normal, apart from having to stay 2m apart of course, and the staff were friendly and fine with customers touching things. Noticed Waterstones didn't have the latest books in yet (unsurprisingly) but otherwise there weren't any obvious stock issues.

What kind of shops are people going to where you're seeing massive changes? I suppose if you're buying clothes or make up it's very annoying not being able to try them on first.

No more mooching for me for a wile and definitely not after Friday. I'll stick to spending my money in local restaurants and bars. Much more enjoyable experience.

The whole point of physical shops is that you get to inspect the goods - feel the weight, feel the cloth, look at the colour against your skin, smell the tester. So what is the point of shops now?

Exactly. I used to love nothing better than a wander around shops like TK Maxx, charity shops and bookshops. But alas that's over now.
I derive no pleasure whatsoever from shopping on line so I just don't do it. I buy tried and tested cosmetics and beauty stuff on line but no clothes. Ever.
So, unless there's something really specific I need, much as I hate to say it, that's the end of that for me.

I've visited our local town a few times recently and it was a shock to see so many shut, although most are gradually reopening. The bigger stores, charity or otherwise are easier to browse around without getting in anyone's way. Personally, I welcome the mandatory wearing of face masks. I have certainly witnessed some very snarky staff, thankfully the minority, but I have also seen shoppers acting as if the pandemic doesn't exist, rummaging through everything, coughing into the air etc which would terrify me if I had to work there.

Once mandatory face masks are in place and people are abiding by it the other rules in shops won't be required any more (so no one way system, queuing, etc). Hmm... Boxing Day sales?

@psychomath

Bit surprised by some of these responses - since everything re-opened I've been to two different Waterstones, an independent bookshop, two sewing shops, a charity shop, Boots, WHSmith and a little art and crafts gift shop (not all in one go!) All felt very normal, apart from having to stay 2m apart of course, and the staff were friendly and fine with customers touching things. Noticed Waterstones didn't have the latest books in yet (unsurprisingly) but otherwise there weren't any obvious stock issues.

What kind of shops are people going to where you're seeing massive changes? I suppose if you're buying clothes or make up it's very annoying not being able to try them on first.

Tiger - One way, didn't really feel you could stop and browse as people behind.

WHSmith - signs saying "don't touch the books"

Seating all taped off or removed.

I think for me the point of a "wander round the shops " is it's supposed to be random, do it at your own pace, zig zag about shops, maybe have a coffee and cake and generally just potter about in your own world.

Now you need to anticipate how many masks you may need after various drinks stops, then realise there may not be a loo so bugger, no drink, one way systems and distancing mean you have to have your wits about you and not daydream.

At the moment it's not much fun.

On the plus side, last night I discovered Net a Porter. In the sale! Am now the owner of an amazing pair of weather proof leather boots which will be perfect for queuing outside supermarkets in the winter

Nope.

I used to like a wander round our little town, we have a lovely mix of little independent shops as well as some of the bigger stores, nice cake and a coffee in the tea shop

I went to get a birthday present for DD at the weekend and it was horrible.

Town wasn’t busy but lots of queues to get in shop, one way systems, not allowed to touch anything

I wanted some earrings from Pandora but wasn’t allowed in and had to be served from the street. Was after a specific pair but they were out of stock so was trying to pick something similar by shouting across the shop with the shop assistant running backwards and forwards.

Had a nosy in a couple of the clothes shops , but again wasn’t allowed to touch anything - not really sure how you can buy clothes without touching them when they’re all rammed in on a rail and you can’t see anything properly.

I’m massively claustrophobic and masks make me really panic so I’ll just be venturing out for essentials and buying everything else online

DD and I tried on Monday, to a nearby Yorkshire market town. It was slightly confusing as the arrows that had been spray painted on the pavements didn't quite seem to make sense regarding direction! Then the issue with hand sanitiser as soon as you entered a shop - after four shops I'd had enough and my hands felt rank. DDs fingers were stuck together as though she'd glued them!

Lots of shops had reduced hours, they all had restrictions on numbers (one shop only allowed one person in at a time, which meant that DD and I couldn't browse together so we didn't bother going in, which is a shame as it was a very interesting looking little independent shop).

It wasn't particularly enjoyable. I don't like being told where to stand, where to queue, having to wait as there are five people in the shop already etc.

We did have a nice lunch in a pretty empty bar/restaurant place, sat in the window watching the world go by. Normally this place would be buzzing, but despite the emptiness the staff were really welcoming and it was wonderful to eat a meal that I hadn't shopped for, prepared, cooked and had to clean away afterwards!

No and I'm a big shopper. Been buying things for the house instead but online.
Made to order blinds etc
Bought some kids shoes on sale online
Some other house decs that's about it
Not been to a high street, shopping centre since March

We have had a big open air market open up recently which was lovely for a browse though

A lot of the sellers that would normally be at the various festivals, fetes and events over the summer have clubbed together and are putting on a market every Saturday.

It was lovely for a nice wander, a hog roast, a mooch round the arty/crafty stalls, all very relaxed and calm so will definitely be going again

I went up to the high road last week and it was ok. I was a bit strung out and stressed as it was my first time properly going out to the shops and I was anxious about messing up and doing the wrong thing. I wore my (cotton) mask- get cotton ones. They're so much more breathable. I wanted to 'prep' myself for when they become compulsory. Actually, I went into M&S and found it really pleasant. I was a bit of a wreck, but the sales assistants were really, really kind and calm. That helped so much!

@tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz

I think for me the point of a "wander round the shops " is it's supposed to be random, do it at your own pace, zig zag about shops, maybe have a coffee and cake and generally just potter about in your own world.

Now you need to anticipate how many masks you may need after various drinks stops, then realise there may not be a loo so bugger, no drink, one way systems and distancing mean you have to have your wits about you and not daydream.

At the moment it's not much fun.

On the plus side, last night I discovered Net a Porter. In the sale! Am now the owner of an amazing pair of weather proof leather boots which will be perfect for queuing outside supermarkets in the winter

Exactly this

Cept for the net porter thing...so maybe not exactly

Dh and i have taken to doing the main food shop one evening a week...its slightly better now since the one way and queues have stopped but its still not ‘fun’

I've had mixed experiences. M&S food feels fine. Tesco was surprisingly normal. H&M was lovely.
TX maxx was horrible with men stood around together in hi viz jackets, signs saying not to touch anything and having to queue not only to get in but also to go upstairs.

I was going shopping, in an effort to support our lovely independent businesses but won't do this once compulsory mask wearing comes in. It'll be a quick dash to the supermarket or online shopping.