Retail associations have called for further clarity following PM Boris Johnson’s tentative “first draft” of the “roadmap” for coming out of lockdown in the UK (on May 10). Non-essential bricks and mortar retailers may start to reopen from June 1 if coronavirus cases are continuing in a downward trajectory
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has called for more government guidance if shops are to reopen next month. Andrew Goodacre, ceo said: “We now know when we can expect more of the shops to re-open – June at the earliest. Between now and then we need to see the final draft of the Government guidance so retailers can prepare to keep their employees and customers safe.”
Andrew has also called for independents to open in the first phase of the UK’s exit plan, highlighting that: “Many essential small shops have continued to trade in a safe way, and we have seen the virus bought under control as a result.” He emphasised the benefits of smaller shops, noting new research from Springboard showing the recent shift in shopping habits to local centres: “Allowing the smaller shops to open, with correct measures in place, will keep people in their communities.”
Bira will be supporting its members and the wider retailer community to interpret guidelines and safety advice, including regular updates on its coronavirus hub. Click here for the latest updates.
The ceo of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Helen Dickinson recognised that many retailers are working on plans for reopening but also called for more details from the government: “Further clarity is needed in coming days and we look forward to more details from the Government. We need a plan for shopping as well as shops – this means a plan that allows safe navigation both to and through our retail centres – and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government to support this process.”
Meanwhile (due to being typically incorporating large open spaces) garden centres in Wales are starting to reopen this week, with those in England likely to follow suit providing that social distancing can be enforced for both staff and customers.
