Avoiding shopping at peak times and contactless payments are among the tactics consumers will be using to keep safe from Coronavirus when the shops re-open on Monday, according to new research.

A poll of 2,000 consumers conducted by buy now, pay later provider Laybuy found that 46 per cent are preparing to avoid visiting high street shops at peak times as non-essential retailers reopen, while 40 per cent will insist upon contactless purchases.

When it came to government guidance, just over a third (34 per cent) said wearing a mask was a priority, behind taking hand sanitiser out with them (36 per cent) and avoiding spending more time shopping than necessary (38 per cent).

The research showed there was also a sense of excitement and trepidation across the UK as people adapt to the easing of quarantine restrictions. The vast majority of shoppers (42 per cent) were unsure how they feel about returning to the high street, while 38 per cent stated they were nervous, and 20 per cent said they were excited.

Gary Rohloff, co-founder and managing director of Laybuy, said: “People need to feel comfortable and they already have good ideas on how they will go about it - we’re seeing retailers do everything they can to make their customers feel as reassured and at ease as possible.”

Share Story: