What You Need To Know About Shopping Online During Circuit Breaker Month

Honestly, we’ve never been more grateful for the invention of the internet. As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the world, technology has been a literal lifesaver. Since we’re all meant to be staying at home (unless you have to go to work, for crying out loud, please stay home) and flatten the curve, the internet is now our only way to remain in contact with one another, get access to goods and services, find outlets for welcome distraction, and yes, to indulge in retail therapy.

Shopping online in the midst of a pandemic is not without its own problems, however, given the issues of safety for customers, businesses, and delivery services alike, compounded by delays in processing and shipping due to partial or full lockdowns in most countries, and the fact that brands have been forced to shut down their warehouses and production activities.

Not sure what you should do? Or which of your favourite brands are still carrying on with orders and deliveries? Here’s what you need to know.

Firstly, some health basics. Scientists have discovered that the COVID-19 virus can survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard, so it’s a good idea to disinfect your packages before you bring them into the house, and to wash your new purchases where possible before you wear them or put them away. But there’s no need for hysteria. Though the virus can live for up to a whole day on cardboard, that figure was obtained under ideal lab conditions, not actual ambient temperatures. Provided that your postmen are well and healthy, the likelihood of you catching the virus from your mail is low.

Feeling a bit better about shopping online? Read on for a list of fashion and jewellery houses that have kept their e-stores open.

While Bulgari’s physical retail stores are closed during circuit breaker month, you can continue the shopping experience from the comfort of your own home, thanks to its home shopping service. The brand’s web store remains open, with payments for purchases facilitated by CosmoPay for greater security. Even better, Bulgari is now offering complimentary delivery for all customers in Singapore.

Burberry is committed to following the most up-to-date advice from the World Health Organisation to ensure the safety of customers. You can buy clothes, accessories, makeup, and more from its website, although there might be a slight delay in delivery times.

We could all do with more of Dolce & Gabbana’s exuberance right now, and as luck would have it, the brand’s online store is still accepting orders, with deliveries are guaranteed in the 95 countries in which it usually ships, Singapore included. Dolce & Gabbana states on its website that its entire supply chain, from the warehouses to the preparation and delivery of the goods, follows all the necessary safety measures and hygiene standards for both professionals and products.

Being cooped up inside means that you probably aren't getting your fill of nature. Dior has just what you need to remedy that deficit. The maison's Spring/Summer 2020 collection is a veritable breath of fresh air, ripe with lush botanical prints, breezy raffia accessories, and rainbow tie-dye. And now you can get this season's collection delivered right to your doorstep with the brand's home shopping service. 

Home to an impressive curation of labels ranging from Prada and Bottega Veneta to Comme des Garçons and Marine Serre, the DSMS e-shop is open throughout this period, with orders being delivered as per normal (even though normal might feel like a foreign concept atm).

Can’t go a month without a little Fendi in your life? We know the feeling. Fortunately, the Italian house’s online shop is business as usual, so you can still lay your hands on the latest must-haves, including the Spring/Summer 2020 collection and all those fabulous Baguettes.

If you’re a fan of extra-tiny handbags and extra-large hats, you’ll be pleased to know that you can keep shopping on Jacquemus’ website, with free delivery worldwide during this period. Also check out the brand’s Instagram page, where Simon Porte Jacquemus has been posting everything from David Hockney paintings to ASMR-esque videos of Le Chiquito cakes being sliced open.

Sure, you might not be hitting the town anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you should go without a fierce pair of heels. Jimmy Choo’s online shop is ready to roll, and DHL delivery means you’ll have your shoes within two to five working days.

Louis Vuitton may have converted its workshops in France to produce medical gowns and face masks for hospitals and retirement homes, but its e-commerce site has stayed open. In Singapore, you can be assured of same-day or next-day delivery too.

Sneakerheads, rejoice! Onitsuka Tiger’s e-store is still accepting orders, and until May 31, shipping is free on all orders. First-time customers will also enjoy a 10% discount on their purchases.