STORES are welcoming customers back with “new normal” standard operating procedures for shoppers in place.

Beyond social distancing, temperature checks and hand sanitising, some retailers are also making adjustments to other aspects, such as their return policy.

At the Giodarno clothing outlet in Subang Parade, an employee who wanted to be known as Hana said customers are not allowed to try on clothes in line with the government’s SOP for stores under the recovery movement-control order (RMCO).

“Customers are not allowed to try on clothes but if they are slightly unsure of their size or the measurements, they can put it against their body but not try it on,” she said. 

The store’s return policy and handling of alterations involve customers leaving the items in a box for 48 hours, a precaution based on studies that the Covid-19 virus will no longer be infectious after a certain number of hours.

“Customers are allowed to bring it back for an exchange or alterations but we have a box where we put the returned clothes in the box and not touch the item for 48 hours.

“We are only allowed to put it back for display or take it for alterations after 48 hours, which means the customer will have to wait,” she said. 

It’s a way to assure customers that stores are being proactive about health and safety, and Hana thinks that overall, the current rules and guidelines are good at curbing infections while bringing back shoppers.

An employee from the Skechers shoe store said customers are allowed to try on shoes because the shoes are covered in plastic.

However, customers are advised to use socks as well. 

Returned or exchanged shoes will be separated for sanitising and kept aside for a few days.

Sorella, an undergarment store, also does not allow its customers to try on items. 

Like Giordano, customers are only allowed to measure items against their body. 

However, she said since the RMCO came into effect, customers are less picky.

“Customers don’t complain much. They look at something and they buy it immediately and they don’t mind not trying it on.” 

Shoppers are glad to be back browsing in malls but the new rules have curbed their buying habits somewhat.

Yaya, 40, said the new ruling has made her more disciplined when it comes to shopping. 

“I’m a shoe addict so when I went to Adidas, I was told I could only try on two shoes and not more and that has made me disciplined.” 

She praised Adidas for its SOP as customers are required to sanitise their feet before they’re allowed to try on shoes.

“Once you try the shoes, they will send it away for sanitising,” said Yaya, who declined to give her full name.

Malaysia started the RMCO on June 10 after nearly three months of restrictions on movement and business operations that were relaxed in stages over the period.

Under the RMCO which ends on August 31, more sectors, including beauty salons, barbers and hairdressers, are allowed to resume business.

Other sectors can resume operations at maximum capacity and at their usual business hours, while interstate travel and domestic tourism are allowed.

Activities and sectors that remain banned, however, are those involving close contact, such as certain sports, spas and massage parlours. 

Mass gatherings, such as feasts, are still banned although gatherings at houses of worship are gradually being lifted. – June 14, 2020.