Non-essential retail businesses were allowed to reopen as of Monday 12 April, as well as pubs, bars, and restaurants that are fortunate to have outdoor seating, having spent most of the last year closed due to the lockdown restrictions.
As eager shoppers rush to the high street, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said that retail businesses have spent millions of pounds on measures designed to keep stores COVID-secure, including safety glass, queue management systems, social distancing signage, better ventilation, and more frequent cleaning.
The BRC has added that customers also need to do that part to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the chances of another lockdown, but following seven steps to keep retail open and as enjoyable and safe as possible for all involved.
- Be respectful to shop staff and fellow customers
- Wear a face covering in store unless medically exempt
- Maintain social distancing; Queue considerately
- Follow instructions inside and outside shops
- Follow all hygiene measures including regular hand cleaning
- Shop alone where possible.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, says: “Retailers have spent hundreds of millions on making their premises Covid-secure; weeks preparing shops for reopening; and countless hours training staff on the latest safety measures.”
“The three lockdowns have cost non-food stores approximately £30 billion in lost sales – and it vital that they are able to make their contribution to the UK’s economic recovery.”
She added that while there is expected to be a surge in spending when shops reopen, the real test will be for how long that can be sustained.
Concluding, she said that many people will be eager to visit their favourite shops, it is everyone’s duty to keep each other safe.
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