​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

​"Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." —Brené Brown

In our current and rapidly changing world, events have forced us into a socially engineered environment, creating long term social isolation that has had some strong and potentially long-lasting negative results affecting the state of our mental
health and that of our loved ones.

What is social isolation? It is defined as a state of complete or near complete lack of contact between an individual and society. This change for many has drastically decreased our community involvement, and connection has been attempted via new technologies. The entire world has launched into staying connected virtually through skype and zoom conference calls, social cocktail parties, and group facetime calls with family and friends since mid-March when the craziness all began. Over time however, social distancing is taking its toll, as we are seeing the elevation of stress, insomnia, lowered immunity, short-tempers, and addictions. Both loneliness and social isolation are driving up stress levels and wreaking havoc on the human body, including the brain.

Brené Brown, professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, said that “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to.”

Are you socially isolated? If so, are you maintaining a balance physically and emotionally to help keep your body and mind as healthy as possible? Our positive relationships with others increase our own personal resilience and fortitude, keeping the community strong. Connecting with positive people within our circle of influence, that we can both laugh and dive deep with about questions that matter–will help us to face life's challenges with courage and love.

Keep in touch,
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com

Keeping services relevant amidst uncertainty

I don’t know about you, but the surreal world we find ourselves living in at the moment certainly is keeping us on our toes, dancing to the tune of a new jig. “On the fly” thinking is an extremely valuable and necessary skill to have or to be developing at this time. Thinking fast and taking quick action is the name of the game here now. This is what will keep our businesses relevant and profitable. It’s time to come up with sustainable ways of doing business now, as well as into the future.

As a consumer, I have noticed that many websites are outdated, and even more sites are not adapting their selling strategies to fit the rapidly changing climate. This adaptation is essential to help customers navigate the purchase of goods and services sold by your establishment, whether the doors are currently open or closed. People are too stressed with daily life right now to be frustrated by the purchase and delivery process they want and need from you. When the experience is seamless, the stress levels stay low, encouraging return sales as well as referrals.

Take Panera Bread’s recent solution, for example. They were classified as a restaurant and deemed non-essential when the stay-at-home order came down. Panera’s chief decision makers noted that grocery stores were deemed essential, so they added a grocery store to their business model and packaged their meals, produce, bread and began delivering these products via local delivery services, in addition to curb-side pickup. They also are selling these products in local grocery stores nationwide. With a revamped, beautiful, and very user-friendly website, ordering from Panera is now super easy to receive their yummy food, delivered right to your home, hassle free.

I know there are a lot of inspirational examples of businesses working within the confines of the crisis, finding creative ways to succeed. Do you have a story you’d like to tell? We would like to highlight these stories in future issues, so please write to us and share what you are doing to not only survive, but to actually thrive in 2020!
Reinventing the way we do business...

Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com