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Shopping has become a bit of a challenge these days. Fortunately, with new safety protocols, it's become much more stress-free. Check out how some of your favourite stores have kept up to date with the times.

It's not hard to pinpoint exactly when shopping became so stressful. Thanks to the pandemic, what used to be a fun, leisurely activity has now morphed into something slightly worrisome. But never fear! A few of your favourite brands have done their best to keep up with the times, implementing new safety protocol for both their shoppers and their personnel. Whether it's a clothing store, a beauty retailer, a bookshop, or a wellness purveyor, these top retail brands have done their best to ensure our safety and theirs. Read more about it here! 

Read also: Tatler Deep Dive: Industry Experts Speak Out About The Future Of Retail In The Philippines

Onitsuka Tiger

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High-end fashionistas rejoice: cult favourite, Onitsuka Tiger, has opened a new branch at Bonifacio High Street Central. Easily accessible in the heart of BGC, Onitsuka Tiger's new store is 130 square metres of pure fashion bliss. It carries the latest of the Japanese fashion brand's offerings including the new high-top Fabre MP shoe (a great collectible for anyone in the search of quality style!).

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Its spacious interior is great for social distancing while its airy displays allow room for easy window-shopping or browsing. Health protocols include the usual mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields. While customers are discouraged from trying on apparel, the staff at the store are more than happy to help you find your size. In trying on shoes, it is also required for shoppers to wear clean socks, which the store will happily provide for those who don't have it at the moment. 

The Onitsuka Tiger Bonifacio High Street Store is located at Unit 1 Two Parkade Bldg., Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City

Owndays

It's been a while in quarantine and we've all been staring at screens; as such it's likely, you've had your brush with eyestrain — I know I've had. Because of this, it's important to get your eyes checked. Of course, if you're a little hesitant, that's completely understandable. Fortunately, one of the country's leading optical stores, OWNDAYS, has implemented health protocol to keep your mind at ease. Health declaration forms, as well as alcohol and hand sanitisers, are provided to every customer at the entrance of the store. Only six customers are allowed inside the premises at all times, though they do encourage those who are free to visit them during weekdays to avoid a crowd. 

Not only this, but the store's attentive staff are also on standby to make sure all frames are disinfected before and after each person tries them on. Equipment used by their optometrist is also disinfected before and after each session to ensure absolute safety for every client. 

OWNDAYS is located at Space 1-004, Ground Floor, Glorietta 2 Mall, Ayala Center, Makati City

Read also: Beauty Insider: 7 Remedies For Puffy Eyes

Beauty Bar

One of the great things about Beauty Bar was that they were able to seamlessly redirect marketing efforts into the world of online shopping. This kept their business up and running even through the months-long lockdown earlier this year. Of course, with malls reopening, it was only time for them to get back on with business. But how do safety protocols translate with them as a beauty brand that usually relies on communally used tester products and samples?

Beauty Bar upholds the stringent use of face masks and shields inside their premises. Sanitiser is also available for all customers to be used as liberally as necessary. Furthermore, the use of tester products are now a little bit stricter. Customers are allowed to test certain items on tissue paper. For those who have questions, knowledgeable and attentive staff are also at the ready for any product-related queries. 

Beauty Bar is located at Upper Ground Level, Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Blvd, Corner Doña Hemady St, Quezon City

Healthy Options

Healthy Options is a great one-stop-shop for the wellness advocate. But these days, simply buying things isn't a guarantee for your health — which is why Healthy Options has managed to enforce strict protocol in their stores. There are social distancing markers in place at the cashier area, as well as contact tracing forms ready at the door. Face shields are required, as are face masks without valves. Because Healthy Options also sells cosmetics, management has also banned people from taking whiffs or smelling products. Unfortunately, testers have also been discontinued — but as always, staff are ready to for any questions you may have about any of the items on their shelves. 

Those looking to shop without going to the physical store may also go through Healthy Options' online catalogue. Their website has been updated to include most, if not all, the store's usual products. Their downloadable app is also helpful for members or fans! 

Healthy Options is located at Level 1, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA corner, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong

Read also: Tips On Grocery Shopping During A Lockdown

Fully Booked

One of the best ways to survive ennui is by reading a book. This transportive hobby has helped plenty cope while in lockdown, so it's no surprise that bookstores have become as important as ever. While Fully Booked has strengthened their online store, their (beloved) flagship in BGC has also undergone the implementation of stringent health measures. Contract tracing at the BGC flagship store is done through QR code (or paper, if necessary). Face shields and face masks are also mandatory. Sadly, Fully Booked has also banned leisure reading so those comfortable armchairs on the upper floors have been taken away and the cafe upstairs has also halted operations. However, this is all done for the safety of personnel and customers, so it's definitely for the best and likely not permanent. Meanwhile, the bookstore still continues to carry a wide range of literary choices for readers of all ages to enjoy and staff are still very ready for any book requests or questions!

Fully Booked is located at Ground Floor, B6, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

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