The eyes of the retail world are on Germany, the first major Western economy to start reopening bigger stores. Companies large and small, which have been hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic the world over, are eager to see how consumers respond as they emerge from lockdown. Are they too worried to go out shopping, or primed to unleash pent-up demand? Global chains including H&M ( HMb.ST ), Adidas ( ADSGn.DE ), IKEA [IKEA.UL] and Puma are trialling pandemic procedures which will also be used in other markets. Issues include how to keep customers at a safe distance apart, with changing rooms a particular headache. Also how best to protect staff and disinfect surfaces, among other questions. Early signs show some cause for optimism in Europe’s biggest economy, which allowed stores of up to 800 square metres (8,600 sq feet) to open again last week provided they […]