FOR someone who doesn't enjoy online shopping — no, pay day sale messages do nothing for us and scrolling through endless options of clothes is nauseating — the pandemic has been rough. Heading to a shop with a girlfriend, knowing they won't let us make a mistake, and making a day out of it is the real pick-me-up. As is the mall smell — a mix of the sweet aroma from the cookie shop and the whiff of new fabric. Although malls in the city have opened up, we haven't found the nerve to step out. So, when we heard about High Street Phoenix/Palladium and Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai's virtual personal shopping programme, we were game.

The one-of-its-kind service allows customers to get a virtual tour of the stores, avail recommendations based on trends, and the option to pick up the final products or get it delivered, all facilitated by a personal shopper-cum-stylist.