Fashion store reopening with caution

PETALING JAYA: While the reopening of fashion, clothing and accessory stores to fully vaccinated customers is seen by business owners as a step forward, they are careful to ensure everyone stays safe.

Vincent Siow, who runs a menswear boutique in Bangsar Village II, said the boutique was already open for business, adding that he and all his staff had been fully vaccinated since June.

Business sense: (From left) Siow, Rinaldi, Low and Cheong.

I believe that with proper SOPs, wearing face masks and careful sanitation, there should be no problem dealing with customers physically.

For me, the concern is not about catching Covid-19 but more about getting business back on track, he said.

Siow said at noon on Monday he had yet to receive any customers, adding that his retail team had instead been busy tidying and organizing the boutique.

Designer Rico Rinaldi opened his boutiques in Hartamas and Bangi yesterday while his retail space at Isetan KLCC will welcome shoppers today.

My staff and I have been fully vaccinated and we will strictly follow the SOP. No gear allowed, Rinaldi said, adding that his client was very supportive, sending him messages of encouragement and reminders to stay safe.

Jewelery brand Wanderlust + Co will not be reopening its stores for now and will continue selling online.

Founder Jenn Low said she was concerned about the safety of her staff because not everyone on her team had completed their two vaccine shots.

He believes public safety should remain a priority as well.

“As not only a business owner but also a mother, I think we have to balance commercial and health needs appropriately during this difficult time,” Low added.

Other businesses in fashion retail are also deciding whether to continue selling online only.

Welcoming the move to reopen stores, Datuk Irwin Cheong, coordinator of Industries Unite, Malaysia’s coalition of 117 trade associations and chambers of commerce, said business owners remained cautious.

Retailers welcomed the good news of reopening as it gave them some relief, he said.