DURBAN - On 14 May 2020, the South African government has lifted all restriction on e-commerce except for alcohol and tobacco sales, paving the way for many businesses to start operating again.
With the Covid-19 pandemic still raging and no clear timeline as to when our lives will go back to normal – if ever – retailers need to adapt almost daily to the new challenges. Especially the luxury retail market worldwide still has a lot of catching up to do.
A collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout the nation when the South African government announced late Thursday afternoon, that all e-commerce was permitted again except for the sale of alcohol and tobacco. South Africans, who have been cooped up in their homes for nearly seven weeks are grateful to have shopping possibilities again beyond just the daily necessities.
With the change of season, warmer clothing is more of a requirement, and many have probably read every book in their homes already twice. Many retailers welcome the chance to slowly gear up their operations again, just like restaurants did when they got permission to deliver hot food again. It will now also become apparent, which retail companies already embraced new technologies before the pandemic and which ones have some catching up to do.
Especially the luxury retail market, both domestic and abroad, appears to have been too complacent, investing highly in the in-store experiences for its upscale clientele. This strategy might very well be a thing of the past.
Dealing daily with pre-owned, authenticated luxury goods, it has always been our goal has always been to provide a luxurious experience all around – be it in our Johannesburg or Cape Town stores or if you shop at our online boutique at www.luxity.co.za.The lifting of the restrictions allows us to continuously serve our esteemed customers all over South Africa and quench their thirst for luxury.
Currently, we are the only place in South Africa where you can safely shop online for handbags, sunglasses and other accessories from sought-after brands.
The future will show how the luxury giants will adapt to the new world we are all finding ourselves in and where customers are more likely to shop from the safety of their own homes. At least for now, South Africans with a desire for designer brands, can get their fill again and have their precious parcels delivered safely to their homes – albeit preowned.
Luke Calitz is the owner of Luxity.