Boris Johnson announced tonight (Monday, May 25th) that non-essential retailers will not be allowed to reopen until the middle of June in the next phase of restriction lifting. With no prior indication that the dates would shift (from 1st June) this will be a huge letdown for many independent retailers who are ready to reopen now, having already worked hard (and paid out for extra equipment, signage, etc..) to put measures in place to keep both customers and staff safe. Once again the British government has sent out a series of mixed messages to both business owners and consumers in general. Small business owners talking to Underlines have already got social distancing arrangements and security & hygiene measures in place and arranged delivery of new stock in advance of the original opening date of 1st June.
Commenting on the announcement, Bira’s CEO Andrew Goodacre said, “Independent retailers have been preparing to re-open since the idea of opening as of June 1 was first mentioned. Many retailers have measures in place that will keep both employees and customers safe. It is therefore a little disappointing for the smaller retailers not to be able to open until June 15, especially as they can make it safe to do so.
“We really hope that this extended closure period will be used to good effect by local authorities to ensure that the high streets and public spaces can be adjusted to allow for social distancing whilst shopping with the prospect of multiple queues.”
