Letter to BS: Customer mindset is unlikely to change after lockdown

This change in consumer focus has led conventional small business with direct customer contact to be­come more efficient

This refers to “A brand new local world” (June 2). The he­adline indicates a return to an era when traditional retailers held sway. The lockdown ex­perience is encouraging the consumer to prioritise health, sanitation and sustenance over comfort and luxury. The­re is also the fear of unemployment and possible financial erosion. which explains his desire to incur only necessary expenditure. This return to the basics has been necessitated by the desire to save, repay lo­ans and control expenditure — in short, have money in the pocket by avoiding discretio­nary expenditure. This change in consumer focus has led conventional small business