As Europe begins to ease its lockdown, restaurants eagerly await the return of their diners, but they're having to take extra measures to allay fears. From greenhouse structures to one-man restaurants, post-lockdown innovations are bringing new meaning to the term ‘experiential dining’.

Despite the popularity and ease of e-commerce, the vast majority of Americans still visit physical shops – and it’s not just because they offer better customer service. Buying from brick-and-mortar stores gives people a chance to support their community, which creates a positive retail experience.

How are food rituals helping people maintain their mental health? What are heritage brands doing to connect with customers at home? How is the ‘prepper’ mindset helping to overcome concerns about scarce supplies? And could virtual pubs and alcohol delivery reshape long-term drinking habits?

COVID-19 could potentially reshape people’s shopping habits based on the way that businesses respond to the crisis. Canvas8 spoke to semiotics expert Soma Ghosh to learn how brands are honing their communications to reassure and empower audiences – and win their loyalty in the process.