The revival of retail in the era of the coronavirus is shaping up differently in different countries. Stores and malls in hard-hit Brazil and Italy have been slow to reopen, Australia had fewer cases and is opening back up faster, and Swedes, like Americans, have shifted much of their shopping to online stores.

Ogilvy Paris created a "#MyHairMyWay" campaign for Dove that features a spot showing people's at-home hair experiments during quarantine. The global ad, which features user-generated content, is launching in the US and ends with the line "Supporting all new hairstyles with our deepest care."

Marks & Spencer's 600 food stores have remained open during the pandemic, and most of its clothing locations, which are closed, are now set to reopen June 15. The apparel stores will offer hand sanitiser, easy-to-clean metal shopping baskets and signage to help shoppers maintain safe distancing, but services such as fittings will remain closed for now.

Apple will reopen all 10 of its stores in Japan this week, including its newest and largest location in the Marunouchi district of Tokyo. The retailer had previously reopened stores in Australia, South Korea and some countries in Europe, and last week it announced plans to reopen an additional 100 US locations.

Williams-Sonoma's three banners generated 55% of total sales online last year, and the pandemic has spurred even faster growth in the retailer's digital channels. The company booked 31.2% sales growth in the most recent quarter, and e-commerce now accounts for 71% of sales at the Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm banners.

When veteran UK grocery analyst Bryan Roberts lost his job just before the pandemic hit, he decided to join the hourly staff at his local Tesco to help out and "get some real experience at the sharp end of an industry." In this interview, he offers a unique view of life on the front lines of the pandemic, saying "it's become painfully clear that there is a massive gulf between analysing supermarkets and actually working in one!"

Impossible Foods has indicated on social media the plant-based meat manufacturer is planning to offer direct-to-consumer delivery, as well as establish a footprint in Europe. The company is currently testing home delivery of Impossible Burger patties in bulk via a partnership with Cheetah, a contact-free delivery service, according to a previous company statement.

While in quarantine, consumers have developed new habits and interests, including bringing home a new pet and shifting from beauty to wellness. Retailers who invest in automation to fulfill high demand from new consumer hobbies will be well-positioned in the digital landscape. Read more.