All retailers selling ‘non-essential’ goods are being allowed to re-open all stores in England from June 15th. This follows an announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson who has also said that open-air markets and car showrooms could open to consumers from June 1st.
All outlets will be required to ensure that they follow every measure to both manage social distancing, limit the numbers of shoppers in their stores at any single time, protect staff as well as introduce safe payment processes. Returns handling, for example, will need to be managed so as to ensure that items coming back into stores from consumers’ homes are effectively quarantined prior to being placed back into live stock. It is also extremely unlikely that any form of changing room or facility to try clothing on will be immediately available. However, some footwear retailers such as Dune have been focused on implementing hygiene measures to enable customers to try on shoes.
Many of the country’s largest retail chains are already in advanced stages of preparation for re-opening, drawing on the examples set by supermarkets and, more recently, DIY stores. However, it will likely be some time before consumers are comfortable with the idea of returning to shopping centres and high streets.
Local councils have been provided with funds to support their local high streets as they move to re-attract customers.
Share