Boredom buying. It's something that as a generation we are pretty guilty of, myself definitely included. And now at a time when we find ourselves stuck inside, trying to find ways to keep ourselves entertained, it can be all too easy to scroll through your favourite 'new in' section, but I think that now more than ever it is important to think about all of the people and processes that your packages go through to get to your front door.
You may have seen that a few of the most popular online shopping brands have come under fire this week from workers claiming that consumers are ordering over 3x more items than a 'regular' week and this is putting a huge strain on the company. As a result, workers are working 12 hour shifts and struggling to maintain their 2m social distancing in such a busy warehouse, alongside trying to hit targets.
Fashion is an industry that I have chosen to be a tiny part of, because I know how much of a positive impact fashion can have as a creative outlet and how it can help empower people and boost confidence which I'm sure that a lot of us are in need of right now. But at a time like this, we have to think about the bigger picture. Think of the amount of people who are having this huge strain added to their already dangerous jobs of mixing with other workers, in order to get your clothes delivery to you. In my mind it isn't worth it just to keep boredom at bay. Now, I'm not claiming that we should stop online shopping altogether, for example if you are currently bored of wearing the same joggers 5 times a week and you want to treat yourself to some new loungewear or 'quarantine' clothes - or if you have a special occasion that you are planning and looking forward to once this is all over. I think something like that will help keep your spirits up a bit and is definitely more worth while. I mean, the way things are going, it's looking like my birthday is going to be spent in quarantine, so I plan on treating myself a little bit and postponing the celebrations until the coast is clear and we are all let out again. It will give me something to look forward to and help keep up the positive outlook on everything! But all I'm saying is that at a time when we are all stripping down to basics, take the time to consider whether what you are buying would be classed as a 'non-essential' and maybe keep it in the basket for later, when shops open back up and we return to business as usual.
Take this time to focus on more important things like family, hobbies and catching up with friends, or even just getting creative with outfits you already have in your wardrobe if you need a fashion fix.
T x
