How the clothes on your back are affected by the coronavirus

As fears around this worldwide pandemic grow, the fashion industry is attempting to modify its strategies in order to stay afloat.

By Mollie Tolbert

With the spread of coronavirus, many businesses and companies are having to close their doors in order to keep their employees and customers safe. The fashion industry in particular has already made strides when it comes to adjusting. They have adapted their sales methods and made changes to the yearly schedule in order to slow the spread of this pandemic.

According to GQ, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors both cancelled shows, whereas Giorgio Armani shifted to a livestream from an empty theatre during Milan fashion week. These changes affect the public’s ability to see designer’s work and postpone the fashion trends for the upcoming season.

In order to continue making sales, many businesses have shifted their focus to online shopping. Stores and designers have started buying and selling online rather than risking interaction with merchants and customers.

Designer Sheena Sood told Refinery 29 that many retail buyers “aren’t placing orders this season because of how badly coronavirus has already affected the traffic at their stores.” This decrease in sales and shopping means that 2020 could see little to no runway shows, fashion statements, and trends.

Large businesses are not the only ones who are having to make changes during this time. According to Lisa Shaw-Ryan, a small business owner, “bigger companies potentially have more resources or other businesses that aren’t being affected and can balance that out,” she told the New York Times. This is why many small boutiques may not have the same security as larger fashion designers. With a greater dependence on in-store shopping, many local boutiques fear having to shut their doors completely.

There are many ways in which we can help to support these small, local boutiques, according to CNN. Purchasing gift cards or shopping from their websites are just two ways to contribute to your own local fashion industry. Although life and fashion are looking far different from most years, it is crucial that we support those in our communities.