Shoppers ready for brick-and-mortar 2.0

Post-pandemic, younger consumers in particular are showing signs of nostalgia for face-to-face interactions

When the Greek philosopher Aristotle posited "Man is by nature a social animal", he certainly couldn't have foreseen the COVID-19 pandemic that would traumatize the world and keep billions locked indoors over two millennia later.

But as many Chinese cities are moving from the reeling reality of the pandemic to the more sublime pleasures of parties and plazas, such an assertion holds true more than ever.

As nightclubs cautiously reopen their doors and cinemas gradually reaccommodate a growing number of moviegoers, traditional retailers are hopeful that the desire for face-to-face experiences will give their offline businesses a substantial legup following months of social distancing.