Imagine we are let out tomorrow.  Shops open, life as we know it, yet still possibly concerned about a second wave, or another virus that could trip us up.  What’s on our shopping list?  Have our buying habits changed?  Are flash cars, exotic holidays and luxury brands still on our purchase list?  With the help of my inmates in lockdown, I have pieced together the top ten items we think Gibraltar will be buying when unleashed.  Perhaps I’m conflicted on the first on the list.  But do think about it…..

1.  A new home

We need more space, a home office is now a ‘must have’ for many of us.  Your kids could return from university at any time and crowd you out.  Outside space is also vital in case this happens again.  So top of the shopping list is a larger property.

2.  Medical

I doubt anyone had enough hand sanitiser or any face masks on day one. These are now essential items to stock at home, for the rest of time, once the supply chain catches up with demand from health authorities.  And if personal ventilation equipment ever becomes available, these will be in demand too.

3.  Furniture 

Having used the household furniture probably more than ever before we will have identified flaws in what we have and how we can improve our home setup.  Either visually or comfort wise, such as a new sofa and dining set, or from a practical point of view, a desk and all the paraphernalia required for home working, we need to upgrade and improve our home furniture.  Throw in a printer, monitor, desk lamp etc for the home worker.  

4.  Home entertainment

Anything from gaming consoles to pool tables, dart boards, family games and jigsaw puzzles etc.  Also children's outdoor play items.  Kiddie pool.

5.  Gym and sports equipment

Exercise bikes will soon be a must for many households, squeezed in a corner somewhere or on the terrace.  Some free weights perhaps.  Even sports clothing to feel good and look good.  Can’t lose body beautiful so quickly again. 

6.  Kitchen equipment

Thank goodness for cookery programmes and ‘how to’ videos to turn us all into budding Jamie Olivers and Mary Berrys.  Food processors, bread makers, different size bowls, dishes, knives to ensure every home baked meal is a success, as we have never cooked so much at home before.

7.  Terrace and garden equipment

These spaces have never been used so much for living as until recently.  If only we had had decent reclining chairs, better lighting or dare I say it, a barbeque.  Don’t get caught again.  

8.  Home improvements and extensions

Could it be time to mend those dripping taps, the non-functioning air conditioner or the light that flickers, as in lockdown it matters?  Some may go one step further and extend their home where they can, maybe adding glass curtains to their terrace for all year use, or where possible, an extension to the house for the home office or playroom.  As always, living space is at a premium and people will use it wisely and optimally.

9.  Holidays

Lots of us will feel like treating ourselves when this is over, but may not have the money to have a very expensive holiday and we may be scared of going too far too soon.  Catalan Bay is a great destination, the Rock Hotel has fabulous views and the Sunborn will re-open with bells and whistles.  You know you want to!  If you are venturing further afield then new clothes to fit the new body shape may be essential.

10.  Restaurants

When it is appropriate and safe to do so, we will all want to see the friends and family that we have missed.  So when we can, fill the local restaurants and bars and catch up with everyone.  Spend locally, eat well and drink good wine.  “Life is too short for bad wine”, a client recently told me.
 
During this lockdown, we will all have had time to reflect on what is important in life and what really makes us happy, secure and comfortable.  

When the time comes, spend wisely and spend in Gibraltar where possible.  Every pound spent in Gibraltar helps our local economy return to good health.

As we all need good health.